ABC's of AIDS: An American Concept?

Uganda is one of three East African nations to reduce its HIV prevalence rate. Many attribute the success to its influential ABC campaign: Abstain, Be Faithful or Use a Condom. After the nation received international acclaim for its rate reduction, its churches are no longer remaining silent on the issue. They have joined the campaign yet refuse to advocate the use of condoms, instead preferring the A&B method.

Many debate the issue of condom use and whether or not it promotes promiscuity. While not a foolproof method, using a condom properly does significantly reduce one’s risk to exposure, as reported on all AIDS awareness ads (or adverts as they call them here). However, many of the billboards and other awareness posters no longer mention condoms, instead focusing on abstinence and faithfulness. Some think the churches are to blame for this; others believe it has to do with USAID AIDS funding from the US and the Bush Administration restrictions on foreign assistance.

The jury’s still out on how much proper condom use has reduced those being infected with HIV/AIDS. One middle-aged Ugandan said that some prostitutes in Kampala have resisted infection by insisting their clientele use condoms. He also said in his Islamic high school his teacher condemned condoms as an American tactic to kill off its enemies, particularly Africans. Apparently, condoms are widely viewed as an American concept, and many Ugandans have not taken responsible ownership in use.

A Chinese company has just introduced condom vending machines in the capital city, noting public policy in many developing nations promotes if not requires by law these contraceptives be readily available in public venues. Although the company has the condolences of the Health Minister, they have yet to find any council or corporation to buy the machines.

Says one Ugandan: “It’s hard for me to believe that the youth will listen to the simple message of ‘abstinence’ and ‘faithfulness’ when we are being punished by a government who isn’t faithful to its people,” referring to corruption in his country.