Pope Benedict’s XVI recent sentiments condemning the use of condoms in the fight against HIV/Aids have rightly caused widespread condemnation by activists, civil society organisations and the media throughout the entire world.

As a network that works heavily in this area, Caram Asia finds these comments gravely irresponsible and if followed, the direction would only lead to an increase in the death toll caused by the virus.

Pope Benedict holds considerable influence in the direction that Catholics throughout the world conduct themselves, and such an outlook will only seek to further hinder global solidarity in fighting the epidemic.

Whilst the most recent comments have sparked international outrage, it is important to note that these sentiments are not a new phenomenon. Speaking on an African tour in 2005, where up to a thousand people die every day due to the virus, the Pope argued that the mentality of contraception had detrimentally affected the fabric of African life.

It is unfortunate, that despite previous expectations, the current Pope has not sought to moderate the position of the church from his successor. As the interpretation of the religious scriptures continues to be an active source of debate amongst the Christian community, we would urge Pope Benedict, in the face of mounting scientific evidence, to take a more pragmatic position when addressing the issue of this global epidemic.

After all, this is not an unprecedented step. It is widely believed amongst leading scholars and observers that whilst on a recent trip to the US, an informal agreement was reached whereby the Pope would not condemn the attacks in Afghanistan or Iraq in return for the US government not to publicly address the issue of child abuse by the clergy.

While it remains apparent that condoms cannot act as a 100% guarantee against the transmission of the virus, the condom remains the single, most efficient tool to reduce the sexual transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Contraception and education still remains the best method of controlling the global epidemic.

Evidence from the UN continues to cite the beneficial use of education and contraception in limiting the spread of the virus and this has led to lower death rates. There are currently over 32 million people living with the HIV virus, all from an assortment of backgrounds and religious persuasions.

There is growing recognition that the virus does not discriminate by age, race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic factors and as such no one is immune from infection.

As such, Caram Asia strong asserts that no person or group of people, no matter what their sexual orientation, religious belief or status should be criminalised, driven to alienation or excluded from society due to their HIV status.

In order to best combat the epidemic, the best method continues to be inclusive dialogue based on solidarity and driven by scientific evidence and research. From this platform, it is vital that a rights-based approach is universally accepted in the fight against HIV, acknowledging the right of all people to live a life free of discrimination and persecution whatever their status.

Such a stand includes the right of positive people to enjoy the right to travel, to work and to protective sex. As approximately one sixth of the world’s total population follows the Catholic faith, we believe it is vital that the Pope uses his considerable influence to address some of these key issues that affect the lives of millions throughout the world.

As a network comprised of a multitude of religious beliefs and cultural backgrounds, Caram Asia strongly urges Pope Benedict to readdress the nature of his comments when addressing this area and wield his considerable influence to endorse the accepted measures of the international community espoused by such collective bodies as UNAids and the World Health Organisation.

With an increase in collective action based on a rights-based approach, the world can meet the sixth Millennium Development Goal (MDC) and the Universal Access 2010 aims in reversing the effects of this epidemic.

The writer information and communication officer, Caram Asia.