AIDS is a sexually transmitted disease. It can only be combatted by abstention or by blocking sexual transmission. In an age of sexual freedom it is unrealistic to expect that everyone will abstain. Some will, but the great majority will not.

The first problem is that members of the "great majority'' too often think that AIDS is not their problem, or that it is not in their social circle, or that they are invincible because "it can't happen to me'', or people still think AIDS is only a gay disease which is certainly not true, especially in Bermuda.

Recent advances in the treatment of AIDS have caused something of a problem for those engaged in fighting AIDS. Some people have relaxed with an "it's over'' approach. They no longer think protection is necessary. But the truth is that what we have is progress in the treatment of AIDS. There is no cure, just better treatments for a killer disease.

Allan Vincent Smith Foundation figures show that nearly 55 percent of sexually active teenagers do not protect themselves during sex. They did, however, believe that condoms should be distributed free in schools which is a start.

But first there is a need to convince the "great majority'' that every time they have unprotected sex they are exposed to every other partner that person has ever had. Do you know they were all HIV negative? Certainly not.

Secondly there is a need to get people who are going to have sex to use protection against AIDS and the best protection is condoms.

Thirdly, there is a need to make condoms as readily available as possible so that no man has an excuse not to use one. Therefore, and we have suggested it many times before, condoms should be readily available in places where young people congregate and available privately without any stigma or without the need for discussion.

We think condoms should be available in discos and other places of entertainment, sports facilities, prisons, Bermuda College and all secondary schools, private and public. Counsellors in the new middle schools should make condoms readily available to students if there is any indication that the student might be engaging in sex. Girls have to be encouraged to refuse sex to anyone not using a condom.

Head teachers have to understand that AIDS is a public health issue and not a question of morality. They have a responsibility for the welfare of their students and would not allow them to be killed by a car for the lack of a crosswalk. It is illogical to allow the same students to get sexually transmitted diseases for lack of a condom.

Yet there still seems to be a great deal of hesitation over distributing condoms in schools. The Ministry of Education seems uncertain. Head teachers are reluctant. The problem seems to stem from the fact that parents "might not like it''. But then parents are certain not to like having a child with AIDS.