Gender Issues in HIV/AIDS Epidemiology in Sub-Saharan Africa
نویسنده
چکیده
The patriarchal nature of African societies continues to shape women’s sexual behavior in the region. This in turn accounts for the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS among women in sub-Saharan Africa. Of the several factors implicated in the unequal prevalence of the disease among women in Africa, economic dependency/feminization of poverty, unequal distribution of sexual power (sexual violence and coercion), limited educational opportunities and lack of political will, continue to dominate the literature (Robinson, 2004; Dunkle, et al., 2004; Martin and Curtis, 2004; Eaton, et al., 2003; Mill and Anarfi, 2002). While programmatic and financial initiatives have increased significantly in the third decade of the epidemic, the international community must do more to reverse the trend of the epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa. Leaders of sub-Saharan nations must show a new determination to coordinate available HIV/AIDS related programs so that afflicted individuals voluntarily participate. Culturally relevant (gender biased) public health education in the region is implied.
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