SOCIO-CULTURAL FACTORS THAT UNDERPIN THE HIV/AIDS PANDEMIC IN AFRICA: AN OVERVIEW .

2. SOCIO-CULTURAL FACTORS THAT UNDERPIN THE HIV/AIDS PANDEMIC IN AFRICA: AN OVERVIEW. Ahiabu R. K. and Gaisie E.

3. Presentation Outline • Introduction • Definition of socio-culture • Importance of socio-cultural factors in HIV and AIDS. • Summary of world socio-cultural factors & HIV disparities. • Specific socio-cultural factors in Sub-Saharan Africa • Recommendations • Conclusions

4. Introduction Definition of Socio-culture: The distinctive spiritual, material, intellectual and emotional feature that characterize a society or a social group. (Akuoku; K.O. 2008) • The complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, law, morals, custom, and other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society (Kroeber & Kluckhohn, 1960) • All that influence and dictate our peculiar way of life

5. Introduction (continue) Importance of Socio-cultural Factors in HIV and AIDS • The beliefs and practices of particular African cultures have been seen as accelerating the spread of HIV/AIDS or at least hamper the understanding and prevention of the epidemic in the region. • Thus despite increased knowledge and awareness about the pandemic, there seem not to have been the expected behavioural change though some modest gains have been achieved.

6. Summary of world socio-cultural factors for prevalent disparitiesGenerally poverty is correlated with HIV prevalence across the world

7. Specific socio-cultural factors in Sub-Saharan Africa • Poverty (Food insecurity): 80% transactional sex, 70% unprotected sex & 50% intergenerational sex • Illiteracy & Ignorance: Women education get affected with limiting family resources. • Gender inequality: Positive effect in Islamic countries and negative in secular Sub Saharan countries. • Commercial Sex Work • Genital and Sexual Practices • Male circumcision: 60% reduction in infection (Western & Central Africa as against E & S Africa) • Vaginal practices: Intravaginal practices; douching, dry sex etc. FGM, Virginity testing • Customary and Traditional rites • Puberty and Marriage rites ( widowhood rites that involve sex with deceased relative), sister in bed etc • Funerals and Festive Occasions • Politics and Corruption: Uganda political will against HIV. Corruption leading vulnerability.

8. Recommendations • Most HIV/AIDS interventions need to target women • Strengthen social welfare systems to protect women • Aggressive informal education of rural women • Effective and realistic policies to address CSW • Campaign to stop all intra-vaginal practices • Incorporation of modern reproductive care practices into puberty rites & educational curricular • Gender inequality in relation to sex need to be addressed to empower women to be responsible for their sexual health.

9. Conclusion • Understanding the specific socio-cultural dynamics of various communities is important to provide new directions for effective HIV/AIDS interventions. • Women’s affirmative action for equal rights and opportunities need to be extended to love and sex where women will be equal partners seeking and demanding sexual satisfaction as well as protection from STDs and pregnancy on equal terms. • When rural uneducated women are able to confidently wear a female condom or buy a male condom for a partner in anticipation of sex then the behaviour change required to reduce infection can be said to have occurred.

10. Thank you for your attention !