Well might the "PNG Bishop objects to condom call" (as reported in the Sydney Morning Herald 14/3) but the desperate reality is that Papua New Guinea is facing a runaway HIV infection rate that could number half a million people by 2025. And the existing horrifying total of 11,000 chjildren there being infected could also balloon out to 77,000 in 4 years time.

They're the statistics quoted by Australia's HIV ambassador, Annmaree O'Keeffe at last week's AIDS Prevention Summit in Port Moresby.

Certainly, undeniably, the churches have a key role to play, and, yes, abstinence is the greatest barrier of all to HIV infection for those able to embrace it, but condoms must be given their critical place in the battle against HIV/AIDS. Despite such a claim, churchgoers won't be acting against their consciences if they choose to use condoms.The primacy of individual conscience outranks even Papal authority.

Brian Haill,
President,
The Australian AIDS Fund Inc.,
1/10, Chatterley Court,
Frankston,Vic. 3199
Tel: (03) 9770 9210
Email: bhaill@bigpond.net.au
Website: www.aids.net.au