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Mengi laments split in HIV/Aids struggle
2006-03-29 08:14:41
By Judica Tarimo
Tanzania Commission for Aids (Tacaids) Commissioner Reginald Mengi yesterday lamented the split among proponents of the ABC (Abstinence, Be faithful and Condom use) strategy against HIV/Aids ’We have to respect one another.
Those who prefer abstinence should not look down upon those who are faithful to a single partner or those who use condoms,’ said Mengi at the official launch of the new condom brand Dume yesterday.
The product has been developed by Tanzania Marketing and Communications Project (T-MARC) with funding from the US government through its international development agency, USAID.
He said the ABC strategy played and continued to play a significant role in reducing the rate of HIV infection in Africa and across the world.
’Just imagine what the situation would be if there was no ABC…what would the impact of the disease on societies be?
In my view, ABC is very effective and useful in fighting the disease. We must not condemn the ABC strategy,’ Mengi, who is also the Executive Chairman of IPP group of companies, said.
He urged stakeholders in the war on HIV/Aids to unite and fight the enemy instead of fighting one another.
’Advocates of abstinence and faithfulness should respect the position of who prefer using condoms, as we are all fighting the same war,’ he said.
The Tacaids commissioner said there was scientific proof showing that condoms were effective in preventing HIV infection if used correctly and consistently. ’Attempts to discourage condom use should be ignored. Condom users should not be condemned,’ he said.
He commended T-MARC for coming up with the Dume idea and the US government for funding the project, and urged other stakeholders to work with T-MARC in disseminating accurate information and managing and implementing projects designed to curb the spread of HIV/Aids.
The US ambassador to Tanzania, Michael Retzer, said the project was part of the US government’s support and commitment in efforts to slow down the spread of HIV/Aids in the country.
He said effective condom promotion played a key role in the prevention of HIV/Aids.
’I hope Dume will bolster Tanzania’s efforts to fight the spread of HIV and Aids, particularly among vulnerable groups whose lifestyles and behaviour put them at increased risk of HIV infection,’ the ambassador said.
But he said more needed to be done to stop the spread of HIV/Aids in Tanzania where seven per cent of adults were HIV-positive.
Health and Social Welfare Minister Prof David Mwakyusa said in his statement that the government hoped the new product would stimulate consistent condom use and eliminate the stigma that discouraged condom use.
T-MARC Executive Director Rosemary Mwakitwange said the product was aimed at making people aware of the need to protect themselves against HIV/Aids and other sexually transmitted infections.
’They should appeal to everyone. We want people to think of prevention before they think about sex,’ she said.
She pledged her company’s continued support for other HIV/Aids prevention methods such as being faithful to one partner and abstinence.
The Dume consumer launch event is scheduled for April 8 in Mererani, Manyara Region.
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