C-section is not just a matter of choice

A readers urges would-be mothers to be fully aware of the consequences of C-section. Other topics: Rodrigo Duterte, dates, HIV education, laws

Women must be aware of the consequences of C-section, a reader says. Christopher Pike / The National

Regarding your editorial Calculating the risk of C-section (June 6), I think women who choose to have a C-section without any medical reason should be told about the long-term effects and consequences of the procedure. If they are informed about the risks and effects on future pregnancies, they may think twice. It seems women are informed only in relation to their current situation on a case-by-case basis.

Sue Wild, Abu Dhabi

Duterte’s strong views on drugs

Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte's comment that citizens should shoot and kill drug dealers might have sounded harsh and unfair to many, but I think he was right ('Shoot drug dealers and I'll give you a medal' Philippines' Duterte tells public, June 7).

Those people whose families and neighbourhoods are falling prey to illegal drugs understand what the real problem is. It’s easy to judge when we’re not ravaged by such criminals.

Kristofer Kumfert, Dubai

It’s time for the Philippines to be free – free from drugs, corruption and crime.

Shirley Olazo Cortez, Dubai

The many benefits of dates

You have rightly highlighted Novak Djokovic's fondness for dates (A date with destiny, June 7). The benefits of dates are immense. They include relief from constipation, intestinal disorders, heart problems, anaemia, sexual dysfunction, diarrhoea, abdominal cancer and many other conditions.

Dates also help control weight. The fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals and fibre. Some health specialists recommend eating one date a day.

The massive health benefits of dates have made them one of the best ingredients for muscle development. There is no wonder that sportsmen such as Djokovic prefer to eat dates in between games.

Naved Khan, Sharjah

Education on HIV necessary

A recent survey published in your newspaper revealed that a number of UAE schoolchildren lack knowledge regarding HIV. Sadly, these children are not alone. Some institutional practices disadvantage and discriminate against people with HIV (UAE students lack knowledge on HIV, poll shows, March 1) .

The virus has been around for decades. An estimated 30 million people worldwide are living with the disease. Many developing countries have made tremendous strides in sensitising the masses and busting myths.

Ask any young adult in Uganda about its mode of transmission, risk factors and prevention methods, and they will have at least one impressive answer. They do understand that having the disease is not a death sentence; you can live positively with HIV, thanks to the openness and sensitisation programmes aimed at promoting tolerance and countering discrimination against persons with HIV/AIDS in Uganda.

It’s this bold approach that has seen the disease fairly managed with indications of significant reductions in infection rates as well as a near halt to mother-to-child infections.

A small step you might say but the achievement is praiseworthy and well in line with the UN 2030 agenda for sustainable development.

Obadiah Kwikiriza, Dubai

We shouldn’t just rely on laws

Creating a child-safety law is a step in the right direction (UAE law is just first step in ensuring child safety, June 5). But no law can ensure child safety. Laws can only help to punish a person after he or she has committed a crime. Society needs to be vigilant and willing to involve the authorities when there is the slightest suspicion of wrongdoing.

Wiltrud Matthes, Dubai