LETTERS: CONDOM OBSESSION KEPT DOCTOR FROM ANTICIPATING CHOLERA

Dear Editor,

A bona fide, functioning, thinking, Surgeon General of the United States would anticipate a horrible cholera epidemic in Rwanda from the reporting on TV and in other media, even before one case of cholera developed. Military water purification units have existed for a long time, but were not utilized until the cholera cases reached epidemic proportions. The most basic public health principles should have been used and put into effect for the suffering people in Rwanda instead of Dr. Elders' continuing to pass out condoms and pushing sex education in the schools for children. Parents should help educate kids, not Surgeon Generals.

JAMES KINDER, MD

Cape Girardeau