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17 August 2006 - Programme Number 113

TORONTO AIDS CONFERENCE: US GOVERNMENT CRITICISED OVER PERCEIVED ABSTINENCE EMPHASIS
LIBERIA: JORDANIAN SURGEON HELPS THE WOUNDED

A.B.C - Abstain, Be Faithful or Condoms use are the three key methods for fighting HIV and AIDS. But is the current US government placing too much emphasis on ABSTINENCE in Africa? "When I hear people pontificating about AIDS and acting as if we can do everything through abstinence, I think they don’t know what most women are up against in too many parts of the world today."

UN special Envoy on AIDS, Stepen Lewis, describes the US government's policy as a form of colonialism..."You don't do that as a western country. You don't lay down conditions for Africa. You don't say you will use x-percentage on abstinence or on fidelity or on condoms. That's Africa's decision. Governments of the west have to understand that these are sovereign states in Africa."

Plus the Jordanian orthopaedic surgeon on peacekeeping duties in Liberia, Major Doctor Fouad Bhatta, who misses his family back in Amman but dedicates his time and energies towards helping wounded Liberians.
"I am very happy to come to Liberia, not only because of the work. ... We are working in comfort, and in addition the country is very nice here, and very, very beautiful. So I am happy to be in Liberia, not only for six months. I would like to extend my work for a further six months."

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