THE EDITOR, Sir:
TWO WRITERS to your paper have seriously misinterpreted certain statements I made at a press briefing held last Monday by the Ministry of Health on a recent study tour of Thailand. The tour was held to acquaint us with the successful inroads being made by the Thai government in the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS.
It is unfortunate that the headline to your report of the briefing picked up on a very small part of what was a very informative session. I had noted the importance of education and said that even sex workers in Thailand were taught about safe sex. At no time did I say there was a school that taught prostitution and certainly did not advocate any such thing for Jamaica!
At the briefing, I appealed for more understanding and less discrimination against persons with HIV/AIDS. I also encouraged the media to continue to educate the public about this dangerous pandemic. I also noted Lasco's introduction of anti-retroviral treatment for HIV/AIDS patients at drastically reduced prices in May 2004, and our donation of these drugs ahead of the new funding arrangements, to prevent mother-to-infant infections. The Ministry of Health commended us on this.
The threat of HIV/AIDS is too serious an issue to be sensationalised. I plan to continue my advocacy for the education of our young people about this disease, and for compassion towards persons with HIV/AIDS.
I am, etc.,
LASCELLES CHIN
27 Red Hills Road
Kingston 10
