Don't you predict more HIV inections in Africa caused by the Pope's visit?

I am part of an email group where ideas, techniques, and resources are shared all to the betterment of health in the developing world. A recent email was titled "Don't you predict more HIV inections in Africa caused by the Pope's visit?"

I for one used to be a critic of the 'ABCs.' My argument was 'if people are going to have sex any way then at least stop them from dying from it.' I have since moved to the more conservative point of view. If a diabetic was told "you need to stop eating candy or else you will die a slow and painful death" any one in their right mind would stop. If a husband says to his wife "stop cheating on me or you will never see your daughter again" she most likely would stop. It's all about behavior modification. Yes it is hard but most times, necessary. Why then is it so "horrible" for the Pope or other Christian groups to say condom use is not the answer? The truth of the matter is abstinence in the context of sexual transmission of HIV is the ONLY 100% full proof solution. So if we are speaking in absolutes, abstinence is it.

I believe we have become "pharmaceutical company" minded. By that I mean we settle for partial cures. If it's somewhat fixing the problem then that is enough. No! That is not enough. If to save my life it means I should abstain from sex then I should, simple. Life is not meant to be easy. The alternatives which are being faithful and condom use? Well, they are less than a 100%. If life really is that precious, the we need to step up to the plate and do what it takes to save it!

That said, there is a thing about gold standards: they are usually unattainable. Now, I know how easy it is to slip. People make mistakes and that is what life comes down to... it's a process of moving from one mistake to the next in hopes that we learn something in the space between mistakes. I am not saying condoms should not be provided. I am not saying condoms are not a very tangible solution. I am simple saying the truth is abstinence is the full proof way and all others are only partial solutions but! they should not be discredited neither should they be taken as the gold standard.

Here is a link to an article which does an excellent job of addressing the issue. http://my.telegraph.co.uk/loz/blog/2009/03/18/how_to_put_out_a_fire_pour_more_petrol_onto_it
photo from: Daily Nation