The Pope's controversial claim that condoms worsen the spread of HIV and AIDS has been supported by the Catholic Archbishop of Sydney. Cardinal George Pell told Sky News that condoms "encourage promiscuity" and were not the solution to the AIDS epidemic. "The idea that you can solve a great spiritual and health crisis like AIDS with a few mechanical contraptions like condoms is ridiculous," he said. On a trip to Africa last month, Pope Benedict XVI had commented that condoms can endanger public health and increase the HIV epidemic. The statement caused concern from health professionals around the globe. This week, the president of the Australasian Society for HIV medicine, Dr. Jonathan Anderson, told ABC News that the Pope's beliefs go against scientific research on the topic: "These comments are potentially damaging in that while most people will ignore them as being the pronouncements of a man who really doesn't know what he's talking about, there could be a few people who'd say 'well if the Pope and George Pell tell me it's okay not to use condoms then I'm going to continue not to use condoms. "We know that HIV gets transmitted in those circumstances," he concluded. Among the health agencies who have lined up to criticise the Pope's message is New Zealand's own NZ AIDS Foundation. "This statement is dangerous and could have devastating effects within African Communities and other communities with high HIV risk," said the Executive Director of the NZAF Rachael Le Mesurier. "The continued promotion of condoms and lube is essential to stop the global HIV epidemic, and remains the most effective strategy in fighting the disease," she added.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News Staff
First published: Sunday, 12th April 2009 - 3:15pm