ZIMBABWE: Health minister advocates abstinence before condoms

Zimbabwean health officials have endorsed the use of condoms only where people fail to abstain or remain faithful to their partners.

Health Minister David Parirenyatwa warned that the availability of condoms should not be viewed as a "licence" for irresponsible sexual behaviour.

"Condoms are not the answer to [HIV/AIDS] ... How we view sexual relations at a time when AIDS continues to decimate our population is the most important thing," the local Herald newspaper quoted him as saying.

The minister attributed his country's recent decline in HIV prevalence - from 24.6 percent to 20.1 - to the government's strategy of 'Abstinence, Be faithful and Condom-use' - the 'ABC' model, as well as the consistent and proper use of condoms.

Theme (s): Care/Treatment - PlusNews,

[This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations]