Factors Contributing to the Disparity in Hiv/Aids Infection Between Males and Female in Subsaharan Africa
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B: FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE DISPARITY IN HIV/AIDS INFECTION BETWEEN MALES AND FEMALE IN SUBSAHARAN AFRICA
INTRODUCTION
Gender inequalities are a major driving force behind the HIV/AIDS pandemic, and are not exclusive to women. They reflect widely held beliefs, expectations, customs and practices within a society about what it means to be a “man” or “woman.” Depending on society’s perspective on it, gender can increase an individual’s vulnerability to HIV and influence his or her ability to access information about preventive measures, care, support and treatment. Many factors account for why vulnerability and risk differ for men and for women, and for men and women at different ages. Some are physiological, where women’s risk of infection is higher. Others are socio-cultural, reflecting different norms, roles and expectations, and economic, reflecting differences in command over assets (including productive resources, employment, and education). Differences in power relations between men and women (largely grounded in culture, economic inequality, and vulnerability) have been identified as one of the major factors contributing to the spread of AIDS. Significantly, gender inequality contributes to the greater vulnerability to the spread of HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa.
FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO SPREAD OF HIV $AIDS IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
INCESSANT ARMED CONFLICTS
In situations of conflict, the risk of sexual violence increases dramatically. There are large numbers of mobile, vulnerable and unaccompanied women who become easy prey for rapists. Children who survive wars often end up as orphans with no skills to face the challenges in life. Prostitution becomes the most likely way out, particularly for girls, and the vicious cycle of HIV/AIDS spread is thus perpetuated
POVERTY
Lack of economic security affects millions of women and girls, whose literacy levels are generally lower than men and boys'. Many women, especially those living with HIV, lose their homes,...
INTRODUCTION
Gender inequalities are a major driving force behind the HIV/AIDS pandemic, and are not exclusive to women. They reflect widely held beliefs, expectations, customs and practices within a society about what it means to be a “man” or “woman.” Depending on society’s perspective on it, gender can increase an individual’s vulnerability to HIV and influence his or her ability to access information about preventive measures, care, support and treatment. Many factors account for why vulnerability and risk differ for men and for women, and for men and women at different ages. Some are physiological, where women’s risk of infection is higher. Others are socio-cultural, reflecting different norms, roles and expectations, and economic, reflecting differences in command over assets (including productive resources, employment, and education). Differences in power relations between men and women (largely grounded in culture, economic inequality, and vulnerability) have been identified as one of the major factors contributing to the spread of AIDS. Significantly, gender inequality contributes to the greater vulnerability to the spread of HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa.
FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO SPREAD OF HIV $AIDS IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
INCESSANT ARMED CONFLICTS
In situations of conflict, the risk of sexual violence increases dramatically. There are large numbers of mobile, vulnerable and unaccompanied women who become easy prey for rapists. Children who survive wars often end up as orphans with no skills to face the challenges in life. Prostitution becomes the most likely way out, particularly for girls, and the vicious cycle of HIV/AIDS spread is thus perpetuated
POVERTY
Lack of economic security affects millions of women and girls, whose literacy levels are generally lower than men and boys'. Many women, especially those living with HIV, lose their homes,...