on fidelity, abstinence have failed

Feedback from a reader…

Thank you very much for your response. As I said, your column makes me read more and more on this topic. All your articles are educative, so keep on writing because I believe some readers have changed their behaviour because of your column.

On the issue of mindset and behaviour change: Firstly I do not know if our primary, secondary and tertiary institutions have detailed HIV and Aids information in their curriculum. There is need for such institutions to have HIV and Aids issues in their curricula because as children grow up, they will have already known enough information about HIV and Aids which will help reduce the knowledge gap that exists among the youth in Malawi. Young people need to have basic HIV and Aids information such as how it is transmitted and how it impacts our society.

Again, educational institutions need to have policies that will guide them in mainstreaming issues of HIV and Aids. If students become conversant with HIV issues and programmes, I believe that they will develop into responsible adults who will avoid immoral behaviours and protect themselves and their children from HIV and Aids.

Additionally, religious or faith groups should also take the lead in marriage clinics. As I said, there is usually poor communication between couples, especially on issues of sex and sexuality. This leads to lack of satisfaction in marriages. Couples should be open to each other. Married couples should stick to their marriage vows and faith groups should also identify their members’ needs so as to help the members address those needs—be it physical or spiritual.

These are my views, but I know people out there, including you as the author of this column, may have other views on this matter. However, to win the battle against HIV and Aids, there is need for a multi-sectoral approach. But most importantly, I still maintain that behaviour and mindset change are key to winning this battle. These are the areas we need to focus on.

Once again, thank you very much for your educative column.