Hat tip, Infidels are Cool.
AIDS is a huge problem in Africa. 74% of the people with AIDS live in sub-Saharan Africa. The average life expectancy there has decreased to 47 years. Reaching epidemic proportions, AIDS claimed 2 million lives in the region last year.
Muslim leaders in Kenya's North Eastern Province have resolved to campaign against the promotion of condoms as a means of preventing HIV.
The decision was made after a recent meeting on the theme of "Islam and Health", attended by more than 60 Muslim scholars and teachers in the provincial capital of Garissa.
"A lot of money is being wasted to poison our community ... a huge amount of money is spent on buying condoms, buying immorality," Sheikh Mohamud Ali, of Garissa district, told IRIN/PlusNews.
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Not to worry, the Imams have a sharia solution.
The leaders expressed their view that the best way for the youth to avoid HIV was through the observance of Islamic teachings such as fasting, regular prayer and shunning extramarital affairs. They advised men to avoid looking at women, who should dress modestly.
Abstinence should be encouraged, but given that Kenya alone has 1.2 million people infected, (6.7% of the population) it would be prudent to take extraordinary precautions.
Abdi Welli, a taxi driver in Garissa, told IRIN/PlusNews he agreed with the clerics that condoms should be banned. He believed the widespread myth that condoms and contraceptives were laced with the HI virus. "We know the condoms are not safe ... if you want to contract the virus that causes AIDS, then use [a condom]," he said. "After all, we have heard in the past that the Western world is using the condom to eliminate Africans, and Muslims in particular."
Hmm...where would Mr Welli get a crazy idea like that?
