Abstinence and fidelity

Abstinence and Fidelity
The fight against AIDS is still on. At the global level, 33 million people are estimated to be living with this disease. In 2007, there were 2.7 million infected, and 2.1 million of them died from the virus. According to UNAIDS, new daily infections of the virus have increased to about 7,500.

There are also positive results and accomplishments of steps being taken against the 21st century lethal virus. About 3 million Aborigines are taking antiretroviral drugs. During the last couple of years, the deaths caused by the virus have decreased from 2.2 million to 2 million. However, this disease continues to be the primary cause of mortality in Africa, where 67% of people living with HIV reside.

UNAIDS asserts that in some places the change in sexual behaviors have resulted in a decrease of infections linked to AIDS. In the territories that are overpopulated with this deadly virus, the young postpone their sexual relations – thus reducing the danger of infection. These behaviors can be seen in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Malaui, Uganda and Zambia. In Cameroon, the percentage of adolescents that would have sexual relations at the age of 15 was reduced from 35 to 14 percent.

The UNAIDS report asserts that all over the world, except in Southern Africa, VIH strongly affects those who turn to drug injections, men who have sexual relations with other men, and prostitutes.

In the United States, there is ongoing research aimed at finding strategies that may help discourage sexual relations in order to reduce the spread of AIDS to that extent. Two of the most effective strategies to reach such an objective are 1) abstinence and 2) fidelity. Practicing those 2 values have a tremendous effect on reducing the spread of the virus, as well as abortions.

The President of Uganda achieved for his people to modify their sexual conduct. According to Uganda’s Demographic and Health Survey the focus is placed upon: A) Abstinence; B) Fidelity; and C) Character. On the other hand, Kofi Annan, ex-Secretary General of the UN, has asserted that AIDS is also detrimentally affecting children. (Translated by Gianna A. Sanchez Moretti)

Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of publicity and press relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing.
clementeferrer3@gmail.com