KINGSTOWN, St Vincent (CMC):

The success that the Caribbean has had in the fight against the AIDS epidemic may be undermined if the region does not change its attitude to homosexuality and sex-education, says a leading health official.

Dr Mirta Roses Periago, director of the Pan-American Health Organisation, made the comment Wednesday during a two-day courtesy visit to St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Periago told the Caribbean Media Corporation that while the Caribbean should be commended for addressing the epidemic early, legislation in the region that criminalises homosexual acts can affect the fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS.

She said that such positions feed discrimination and keep homosexuals in the "closet".

"It makes it difficult for people to come out and have discussions about risky behaviour and so on.

"If you put problems under the table they do not go, they are just under the table," Periago said.

She also stressed that it is important that discussions continue with religious leaders who advocate that only abstinence should be taught to schoolchildren.

Sex education

She said that while it is desirable to see young people delay their first sexual experience as much as possible, studies have shown that teaching abstinence without sex education is not effective.

According to Periago, along with the teaching of abstinence, schools must include sex education for those who choose to be sexually active.

She also stressed the importance of having condoms easily accessible to young people.