PMID: 9164019Dec 1, 1996Paper

Gender dynamics and the challenges for HIV prevention

The Central African Journal of Medicine
M T Mbizvo

Abstract

Information on the transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), leading to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), has been widely disseminated since the early 1980s, and yet curbing new infections remains a major public health dilemma. In response to the global challenge of HIV/AIDS, most control and prevention interventions have targeted "core groups' with messages which include:- 1. Reduction of individual risk through responsible sexual behaviour or behaviour change, such as, delayed sexual debut, abstinence, monogamy and condom use. 2. Communal (as a society) adoption of a risk reduction strategy e.g. reduced rate of sexual partner change and avoiding multiple partners. 3. Improved, early and aggressive STD treatment programmes. However, data from sub-Saharan Africa and elsewhere shows how the epidemic, in the general population, appears to thrive unabatted. Large proportions of women and some men, in none of the traditional high risk core groups, are increasingly becoming infected with HIV. Most of the women appear to be at risk of infection not so much because of their own behaviour, but that of their partners of husbands. In this continuum, our response has been fragmented and non-strategic. Few programme ...Continue Reading

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.