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AIDS and other Sexually Transmitted Diseases -A General Threat

Until very recently, some people used to believe that the Arab-Muslim parts of WHO's Eastern Mediterranean Region were safe trom the spread of AIDS and from the devastating effects of other sexually transmitted diseases, especially those reaching world epidemic proportions. However, research and studies as well as the available . statistical data have shown that this belief is totally false. With regard to AIDS, there are at present "specific indications of the fast spread of the disease locally in almost all countries of the region, especially among certain groups such as drug addicts, prostitutes and homosexuals where rates of infection have soared in recent years" (2).

As for other sexually transmitted diseases, indications confirm that "infection and spread rates continue to rise. The Factors causing this perhaps include the increase in population movement, for natural or industrial reasons, urbanization and increased tourism, all of which have their impact on people's morals and behaviour pattems".

"The importance of the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases generally in the fight against AIDS, increases when we realize that the presence of a sexually transmitted disease raises the chances of catching the AIDS infection by more than
 300%" .

These diseases are seen to be much more serious when we remember that "the highest rates of incidence occur among those who are between 20 and 24 years of age, followed by the 15 -19 year age group and then the 25 -29 year group" (5).

Despite all that, this Region is fortunate in the sense that moral and religious values still have an undeniably deep influence over its people.

The practical message of this booklet, is exceptionally important, as it emphasizes religious and ethical values and encourages healthy behaviour as a preventive method to be used against the rampant scourge of AIDS and all other sexually transmitted diseases. No country in the world is immune from these diseases which, once allowed to spread, can gather greater momentum with far-reaching destructive effects on man. After all, it is people who build human civilization and are the prime beneficiaries of all moral and material progress.

Since AIDS mainly spreads through both heterosexual and homosexual activity and among drug addicts, especially intravenous drug users or those who use contaminated needles, thc exposition of religious teachings relating to such types of behaviour is essential in building protective and preventive barriers against infection and disease.