[afro-nets] Doctors Oppose Ideologically Driven STI Prevention (4)

[Edward Green <EGreendc@aol.com>]

Doctors Oppose Ideologically Driven STI Prevention (4)
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In a message dated 3/26/05 Dr. Matowe writes:

 > Edward,
 >
 > Could these figures you are quoting for Africa be due to under-
 > reporting? Culturally we just do not admit to such behaviour no
 > matter how anonymous a study claims to be.
 >
 > Dr. Matowe
 > mailto:samanyika@hotmail.com


Dear Dr M.

yes, we can always raise questions about reliability & validity
of data. That's why I was careful to say: "...according to these
surveys."

Now here is my question to you: should we base hundred-million
dollar prevention programs on available evidence (in spite of
inherent weaknesses of surveys) or should they be on the basis
of how Americans & Europeans imagine Africans to behave? I can
name at least one country in Africa where I am convinced "we"
are basing expensive prevention programs upon a handful of focus
group discussions (because these prevention programs fly in the
face of existing survey evidence).

You are right to raise the question you raised. But what about
my question? On what empirical basis should we be basing our
AIDS prevention programs?

Edward Green
mailto:EGreendc@aol.com