Condom talk

THEY are known by many colorful terms - rubber, sheaths, love gloves to name a few and they are subject to a great debate. Davao City is bent on pushing for the passage of a Condom Ordinance that will encourage private companies and individuals to donate condoms for the city. As government pronouncement had been made and speculations that the Catholic Church will oppose the move seem possible, the question is whether the move will gain public support.
Beyond the perception that Davao City will embark into massive distribution of condoms around the city, it should be understood that the Condom Ordinance would not only allow donations from institutions and individuals but also uphold the public health.
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Obviously, not everyone can abstain from sex. Not even among those claiming to be righteous. Second, among sexually active people, condoms are effective, though not foolproof, in preventing pregnancy and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases including HIV and AIDS. This means that for preventing the spread of HIV and other STDs and in reducing unwanted pregnancy, condoms are very effective.

Medical studies show that when used properly and consistently, condoms are 98 percent effective in preventing pregnancy. Condoms have also shown to be effective in the preventing HIV infection. In a two-year study of couples in which one partner was HIV-positive and the other HIV-negative, no HIV-negative partner was infected when condoms were used correctly and consistently.
Davao City is second to the National Capital Region in terms of the number of HIV and AIDS cases. High percentage of STDs affects the younger populace. The Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC), showed that from 1984 to July 2010, there have been 5,304 cases of HIV and AIDS recorded in the entire Philippines. Of that number, 170 are found in Region 11, and 144 of that from Davao City.
Which brings us to the point of access. As the legislative body prepares the Condom Ordinance, it should not left out the young people. Condoms cannot just be distributed to specific target groups. Services, including access to condoms should not be limited to the youth. Gone are the days of narrow views that access to condoms encourages young people to engage in sex permeates.
We have to deal with the fact that with or without condoms, young people today are engaging in sex. Often, in unprotected sex. The responsibility of providing options and health services, including information rests on the government. It cannot, in any way, pick upon certain segments of the populace and leave out the youth.
It's a big deal. If only because the rate of STD infection is on the rise and 25 percent of people diagnosed with new infections are teenagers.
It is also a big deal when among young people, girls have to bear the burden of carrying through pregnancy and dropping out of school.
Condoms can be distributed freely. It should be made available for all with no stigma nor condemnation on those who use it. Above all, it should be done in a manner where the public understands that everyone is at risk of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV and that pregnancy can be planned.