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Talking on HIV/Aids in Z’bar yes, but no condoms please!
2006-07-21 09:17:43
By Issa Yussuf, Zanzibar
Speaking about condoms in Zanzibar is still largely a taboo though HIV/Aids awareness raising campaigns have been registering great successes according to the Population Services International (PSI).
’’Although it is still a taboo to talk about the use of condoms in public, people are ready to be informed about HIV/Aids,’’ PSI Information Director Mary, Machuche Mwanjelwa told The Guardian early this week.
Despite continued resistance in speaking about condoms as a major means in combating the spread of HIV/Aids, hundreds of Zanzibaris including the youths have been turning up in the awareness gatherings on the endemic organised by the PSI-Tanzania during the on going ten-days Zanzibar International Film Festivals (ZIFF).
’’One cannot easily find a condom in most of the shops in Zanzibar, people prefer talking about AB – abstinence and being faithful,’’Mwanjelwa said on Sunday shortly after returning from an awareness campaign at Mchangani in the north of Zanzibar stone town where PSI is using Mobile Video Units (MVUs).
According to Mwanjelwa, MVUs and road show teams utilises entertaining and educational videos, skits and contests to educate target audiences on HIV/Aids and other sexually-transmitted infections.
’’We are promoting protective behaviour using ABC (Abstinence, Be faithful and use Condoms) message strategy as part of the 9th ZIFF event,’’ she said.
Amina Hussein, a mother of three children who attended the show said:
’’I think it is not good to talk about Salama condoms because if you abstain from illicit sex there is no way you will get HIV/Aids.’’
Despite lack of enthusiasm for condoms, Mwanjelwa said her organisation was going to ensure Salama condoms were available in over 90 per cent high-risk outlets in the isles (bars, guesthouses, brothels).
PSI is a US based NGO founded in 1970 to improve health using commercial marketing strategies.
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