Preventing STIs

I refer to the letter AIDS Lectures In Schools (December 13).

The ABCD (abstinence, be faithful, condoms, don't do drugs) message is the fundamental principle in the prevention of all sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV/AIDS. Nobody pretends that this is the final answer to the problem because we must accept that we can only partially influence human behaviour, especially when it comes to sex.

While it is a fact the if everybody abstained from sex there would not be any STIs, the reality is that people do have sex outside stable relationships, have always done so and always will, irrespective of whatever anybody says.

Abstinence is highly desirable from a medical point of view especially in the young, as they are much more vulnerable to disease because of various physiological reasons. However, there will come a time when the young will have sex and it is then our responsibility to ensure that, when they do, it is with the least possible risk to themselves and their partners.

The reality is that a large percentage of young people do have casual sex and they do so without protection. So are we suggesting we abandon them to their fate just because they cannot live up to our own high standards?

It is clear that armchair critics have never witnessed first hand the ravages of untreated disease. They never had to tell a 17-year-old, and his parents, that he is HIV positive and that his life will never be the same again.

Roderick Bugeja's sterling work in schools needs praise and encouragement and not attempts at sabotage. For whatever it is worth, Mr Bugeja can always rely on my whole-hearted support.