The Seventh-Day Adventist Church says that proper use of condoms is an effective tool for combating HIV/Aids.
Professor Mutuku Mutinga, Field Secretary, General Conference of East African Division of SDA based in Nairobi Kenya, points out that the church does not bar married couples from using condoms should one be infected with the pandemic.
The sentiments were aired in Dar es Salaam recently at the closing ceremony of a weeklong seminar on Literature Evangelists Congress organized by the Union of Seventh Day Adventist Churches.
Prof. Mutinga told the audience assembled at St. Mary’s International School, Mbagala however, that the church does not condone condom use by single people, because doing so would be tantamount to sanctioning immorality.
The don pointed out, also, that whereas condom use amongst couples was allowed, the church advocates total abstinence and behaviour change as among the reliable anti-HIV/AIDS measures.
He further remarked: “We are aware that HIV/Aids is a problem that has ravaged all sections of society in the East African countries, and especially the youths.
The church has short and long-term programmes for curbing it.”
He said the church was active in enlightening the youths and the public in general on effective ways of safeguarding themselves against contracting sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/Aids.
Professor Mutinga said the measures include treating, caring for and supporting HIV/Aids patients, who should also be counselled.
The congress, the first of its kind to be held in Tanzania, drew 770 participants from Kenya, Uganda and the host country.
It was aimed at teaching literature evangelists proper ways of reaching the people in urban and rural areas, carrying the message of love, peace and service to humanity.