Today in 2006: It is unrealistic to abstain from sex - Dr. Tapang

The former Chief Executive Officer of the Tamale Teaching Hospital, Dr. Daniel Tapang in 2006 questioned the campaign strategy of HIV/AIDS educators who were advising the youth to stay away from sex.

Dr. Daniel Tapang argued that “sex is biologically driven” and, therefore, it was impossible to ask the youth to abstain from sexual intercourse. Adding that the

Read full articlemost effective and surest way of reducing HIV/AIDS among the youth was to encourage the use of condoms.

"It is imaginary possible to ask the youth to abstain from sex but this is wishful thinking as it is difficult for the youth to practice because sex is biologically driven".

Read the full story originally published on December 30,1999, on Ghanaweb

Dr Daniel Tapang, Chief Executive Officer of Tamale Teaching Hospital on Saturday said it was unrealistic for HIV/AIDS educators in their campaign message to ask the youth to abstain from sex.

"It is imaginary possible to ask the youth to abstain from sex but this is wishful thinking as it is difficult for the youth to practice because sex is biologically driven," he said.

Dr Tapang made the observation when addressing the opening session of the 31st Annual Congress of Bimoba Students Union (BISU) at Bunkpurugu.

The theme for the Congress was "Quality Education, A Sound Foundation For Service and National Development".

He therefore, suggested the repackaging of HIV/AIDS messages that would be universally accepted by the youth to stem the spread of the disease.

Dr Tapang pointed out that one of the most effective and surest ways of reducing the HIV/AIDS pandemic among the youth was to encourage the use of condom, saying: "Condom is a dual-protector against virginal infections and unwanted pregnancies".

He urged BISU to intensify its HIV/AIDS education campaign in the communities to create awareness among the people.

Dr Tapang called for the provision of HIV/AIDS handouts and other reading materials to youth associations to enable them help educate their members on the disease effectively.

Madam Elizabeth Pijit Poyari, Bunkpurugu/Yunyoo District Chief Executive, appealed to the youth to read and acquire knowledge and information about HIV/AIDS to avoid contracting the disease. She said the youth was the most productive component of the population therefore; everything possible must be done to keep them safe from HIV/AIDS and other diseases to build the nation.

Madam Poyari urged the youth in the area to take advantage of the National Youth Employment Programme to be employed as volunteer teachers and in other sectors such as health and agriculture.