condoms - whichever kind - to be available everywhere.
They all agree too that they learn about sex mainly from
others talking about it. They'd be happy to see condoms
advertised more on TV. But, says Duane: "more serious programmes
about what having an STI or HIV really means would help too."
What about the different approaches to safer sex and HIV prevention that
have been used? Like the US approach advocating abstinence from sex?
"No way", says Danny, "you only have to look at what America's
programmes of saying 'Don't do drugs' did for young kids. They just took
more. That's not gonna work here. Maybe in places where condoms and treatments
aren't available like in developing countries. But definitely not here."
Mention of a video produced by a young Zambian youth group which featured
young girls rapping a safer sex message caused argument. Could that work
here? Some thought yes, because music was the strongest influence among
young people; but others thought the message shouldn't be over-trivialised.
Score, don't just read the manual
It isn't just getting the advertising right, identifies Clint Walters,
23, living with HIV and running his own youth group, HIFY. "Even
if you get the basic facts across, and people get the message of always
wearing a condom, you've still got to cross the barrier to actually get
people to buy them. It's very hard sometimes for young people to get condoms
from shops.
"For me, growing up in Oxford - the local pharmacist knew my mum!
So it was impossible to buy condoms there anonymously." He recommends
that condoms are available at all schools to overcome this kind of obstacle.
He adds that the branding of condoms should be much more geared to young
people.
Clint's thoughts on the government's proposed campaign are really that
it should include - wherever possible - outspoken, but genuine young people
who have HIV or STIs in the ads. "This always helps to convince young
people and also challenges their expectations and prejudices," he
insists.
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How to hit the back of the net
Most health professionals agree that a national media campaign is overdue.
The Family
