Why is the US government spending millions of dollars promoting abstinence in Africa?

During this government, the US decided to veer off from dealing out condoms to africans, and instead preach abstinence as the ultimate protection against AIDS/HIV. But is this really sensi...


During this government, the US decided to veer off from dealing out condoms to africans, and instead preach abstinence as the ultimate protection against AIDS/HIV.

But is this really sensible- seeing as this results in posters promoting abstinence and then on the other hand, other people giving out condoms? It sends a really mixed message.

What should be done? Is this right? Perhaps the most efficient way to prevent HIV/AIDS is to promote oral sex? ;)



TIMOTHY D L
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This current administration has no clue about how people really are, and want to make people be who they think they should be.

VOTE all of them out


mass.brain
This administration is so full of self righteous bullshit it will make you sick and that's whats happening to millions of Africans. Maybe a better policy would give out condoms plus encourage abstinence as much as possible realizing that they are only human and will give in at times.


danchevz
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Believe it or not, religion and churches have too much influence and control of our government.

Common sense and morals are two different things.


patrickmcc55
The US has never given condoms out in Africa. Abstinence can obviously stop HIV, however human nature is difficult to change. Oral sex represents a smaller chance of HIV transmission, however you can still contract HIV through oral sex. Transmission of body fluid into an open sore in the mouth is just as common as vaginal sex, and dental hygiene in Africa is a big problem.


oracle_916
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take a number, and we'll review your complaint
after the others; you know, when its too late


asleep
Oral Sex can transfer STDs. Promoting abstinence is statistically unsuccessfull (who woulda guessed...). Condoms are probably the best solution.


MsBusyBody
because the US government is the reason why AIDS is killing millions a year in Africa... remember the government funded test in the south that gave thousands of black me syphillis... they did the same thing in Africa trying to find a cure, but using them as guinea pigs... its so sad


tiuliucci
It works!! That is why they are doing it. Handing out condoms does not work nearly as well. The people either do not want them or do not know how to use them. Therefor, they keep spreading the disease.

Abstinence is much easier to understand and people really listen. It worked in the US and it will work in Africa too. It costs a lot less than handing out condoms and reaches a lot more people.

Take care,
Troy


smedrik
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HIV/AIDS can still be transmitted via Oral Sex if one has any lesion, exposed cavities, cut or abrasion inside the mouth. That however is slightly beside the point.

Teaching abstinence is actually a pretty laughable practice. I cannot recall any "don't do it" campaign that was wholly effective. Perhaps as a complementary teaching to safe sex, abstinence would be effective. Giving people the education to make a choice in the end is going to prove the most effective.

Abstinence. In America a great deal of sex education is devoted to abstinence. This in a country with the some of the highest teenage pregnancy rates, abortion rates, and still and every growing population of those infected with and STD. Perhaps we should look at how well it is working for us before imposing values on others.