DUREX GLOBAL SEX SURVEY
I find this survey to be very interesting with regard to South Africa (The
Citizen 17th October 2000). From the survey it is stated that "Compared to
the world average change of 58%, it is people in South Africa (where 86%
changed their sexual lifestyle), the US (a 74% change), Nigeria and
Thailand (both averaging a 73% change) who made the most significant
changes". These findings suggest that South Africa is a world-beater as
far as condom use is concerned. Well done Durex - condom manufacturer,
this country has become your best market.
However, in the light of this finding, I have some relevant comments to
make. We are told almost daily that HIV infection is rising in South
Africa - 1700 new cases everyday!
This would suggest that:
1) Condom use has no effect on HIV
2) The purified HI Virus - if it can be shown to exist, is not sexually
transmitted!
Durex undoubtedly has made a lot of money from the sale of condoms in
Africa. Perhaps they could donate some of this money to a few programmes
such as:
Improvement of sanitation where none exists.
Research into other sexually transmitted diseases such as:
(a) Gonorrhoea
(b) Syphilis
(c) Chlamidia
In particular the research could focus on whether or not these above
mentioned three conditions are going up or not in the light of increased
usage of condoms by the South African population.
Prof. SWP Mhlongo Head & Chief Family Practitioner Family Medicine &
Primary Health Care Medunsa South Africa
