Re: The Condom Bar in Chandigarh

[Guest guest]

Dear FORUM,

Re: /message/7362

The idea & sincerity behind starting Condom Bar might be good. But we must think

on some basic issues in AIDS prevention. I am working on HIV/AIDS subject for

last 20 years in Nasik districts of Maharashtra.

What is our aim? To stop, at least control ( the practical word)spread of AIDS

in India. For this it important that sex with multiple partners be stopped; at

least unsafe sex be stopped. Yes. it is an ideal condition & not very practical

right now.

Coming directly to use of condom, we should stress that it is not 100% safe & is

last option for those who have to indulge in sex with óther' woman than wife.

E.g truck drivers, migrant workers who stay away from wife for long time (AFTER

MARRIAGE).

It should not be first & easy option to have sex with 'other 'woman (or

man).Stress should be given on not having sex before marriage; and sex with one

after marriage (as we all know well).

If we start Condon Bars, wrong message will reach to general public, especially

youth regarding sex and easy availability of safe sex. Likewise installing

condom vending machines near colleges and schools will give wrong message to

students.

Condom promotion is a important part, of course, in AIDS control, but should be

used very delicately. It should not become a license for free sex.

In my experience, collage and school students & in general all people

understands if we tell them the facts about AIDS. If guided properly they will

not need condom nor unethical sex. But if given shortcut choices, they will be

trapped in it.

And looking at conditions in India it will become a new problem against which we

will then have to fight.

Dr. Dilip Bhavsar M.D.(Path)

e-mail: <dgbhavsar@...>

[Guest guest]

Dear FORUM,

Re: /message/7370

I read Dr. Dilip Bhavsar’s mail and was shocked to know that in spite of

working in the field of HIV/AIDS for the last twenty years you still lack

clarity on certain critical issues.

Abstinence (A). may be 100% percent safe but is not at all practical.

Be faithful (. Well we all know that so many married women have been faithful

to their husbands but still they are being tested positive. So in reality even

B. fails and who gets the message of being B?

The only option left is use of Condom ©.

When, pre marital and extra marital affairs are between the consenting

individuals. I and you are no one to pass judgments on it.

Also, easy availability of condoms will not make our youths promiscuous but will

make them understand the importance of safer sex practices. Installations of

condom vending machines at colleges is surely a good idea. Perhaps you are not

aware of the age at which our youth are having their first sexual experiences.

So please understand that preaching does not work.

And what do you mean by " unethical sex? " With your 20 years of experience in HIV

work, please enlighten us on " unethical sex. "

Sex, an integral part of marriage, which is even allowed- promoted- between

cousins in certain communities. But some communities see it as " unethical " . So

please tell us what is ‘ethical’ and what is unethical.

And who has given Dr. Dilip Bhavsar this authority to pass such statements?

I think the idea of " Condom Bar " is amazing and is a need of the hour.

Regards

Yashwinder Singh

e-mail: yashwinder_80@...