WHO: Bishops wrong on condoms

THE World Health Organization on Monday backed a government campaign to promote the use of condoms to fight the spread of HIV/AIDS, but over strong objections from the Catholic Church.

Disputing a claim by Catholic bishops, a WHO official said condoms were “extremely effective” against HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

“The correct and consistent use of good quality condoms confers a level of protection as high as 85 to 90 percent against HIV transmission,” said WHO Philippines representative Soe Nyunt-U in a statement.

“Male and female condoms, when properly kept, stored, handled and used, are the only scientifically proven barrier products currently available against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections,” he said.

The WHO statement also warned that HIV infections were on the rise, growing from one infection every three days in 2000 to one infection per day in 2007 and two infections per day in 2009.

As of Jan. 4, 400 documented cases of HIV/AIDS infections have been reported in the country since the government started tracking its spread in 1984.

Soe cited the experiences of Cambodia and Thailand as proof that condoms were a potent tool against the spread of AIDS.

“Countries that have implemented robust 100 percent condom-use programs have been able to contain their fast-growing HIV epidemics first, and reverse the trend within a relatively short period of time,” he said.  –Manila Standard Today