From Dr P. Carabot

I refer to the letter “Disingenuousness about condoms” by Dr Anna Vella (TMIS, 23 November). Dr Vella very conveniently chose to pick on the one study that suited her best. My summary on the prevention of the wart virus was actually based on 10 different papers. Dr Vella made no attempt to discredit any of them. Neither did she contradict my categorical statement that the message of abstinence by itself does not work, as the United States has painfully found out following President Bush’s ill-advised abstinence-only campaigns.

As to what I tell my patients, I can assure Dr Vella that they get the unvarnished facts as laid down by the world experts. Since my only allegiance is towards my patients, I am prepared to review my statements and advice as dictated by the same experts when new scientific evidence becomes available. It is vital to have an open mind and to be unfettered by any other loyalties.

Seeing we are so fond of quotes, I will end with one. “Who is so deaf, or so blind, as is he that wilfully will neither hear nor see? (J. Heywood, Dialogue of Proverbs –1546)

Philip Carabot

FLORIANA