Although India with its 5.2 million cases is reckoned to be second to South Africa in the number of AIDS cases, many feel that the actual number may be close to 7-8 million. Uncontrolled, this figure could rise to 20 million in the next 5 years. What are we doing to curb AIDS?

Because of religious background most middle class people follow the principle of one man one wife and rarely have multiple partners. Amongst the rich the practice of promiscuous sex exists. In the lower class multiple partners are not unusual specially in the labour class who often live alone in urban situation with their wives back home. The real risk is in the teenagers who are growing up on Bollywood cultures, bawdy advertisements and the new found idea of freedom including sexual freedom. Every now and then there are surveys conducted by tabloids and magazines that talk about declining values of virginity and virtuosity. This creates a complex in virgin teenagers who might consider themselves backward. Although there are ads on TV and radio, that talk about ABC to prevent aids. A for abstinence, B for being faithful to your partner and C for condoms, they lack thrust. They sound too dull and mundane. We must understand that using a condom in an illiterate country like India has its own problem. Many don't know how to use it. Therefore if we are going to make available condoms in dance halls, cinemas and public toilets, charts and diagrams must also be pasted showing the correct use of the rubber. Sex education has become a must in schools after eighth standard. This must include the use of a condom.

The Bramhmakumaris advocate 100% celibacy. That may sound Utopian. Man is a frail animal. It might be difficult for most to resist sexual desires. Abstinence has not received the importance it deserves. To control sexual desire and sublimate is abstinence. It need not mean total celibacy. Jainism, Buddhism, Vaishnavism preaches total sexual abstinence in the later years of one's life. The Muslims are forbidden sex during Ramzan. India being a religious oriented country, religious heads of all communities could promote abstinence or moderation in sexual activity as a part of religious teaching. For those who still have urges, masturbation is an alternative. The myths about masturbation making a person weak must be removed from the minds of peoples. The anecdote of 100 drops of blood equals to one drop of semen should be quashed. Teenagers, should be told that masturbation is a normal thing and must not be associated with feelings of guilt. For gays, lesbians and youngsters with strong sexual desires, mutual stimulation and masturbation should be encouraged. The widely pandered idea of "safe sex" is also a myth. It encourages sex and promises safety with a condom. We all know that even with a condom sex is not always safe. Oral sex and Anal sex can both lead to Aids. Hence must not be encouraged.

Some readers in newspapers have suggested HIV testing before marriage. Good idea if agreed to by couples.

In my opinion, in India alternative methods of sexual satisfaction will work more than condoms.

Ex. Hon. Physician, Jaslok Hospital and Bombay Hospital, Mumbai, Ex. Hon. Prof. of Medicine, Grant Medical College and JJ Hospital, Mumbai 400 008.