Gender Differences in Hiv and Aids in Africa The Role of Social and Cultural Practices
Keywords:
Gender, HIV/AIDS, social and cultural practice, AfricaAbstract
The HIV and AIDS epidemic continues to be a major public health problem worldwide especially in Africa. Research shows that sub-Saharan Africa is the hardest hit region of the world accounting for about 95% of people living with AIDS. Also, research shows that women are more vulnerable to HIV infection than men with women accounting for about 57% of adults
living with HIV in Africa. Gender has a powerful influence on sexual health and plays a significant role in the transmission of HIV infection in Africa. This paper examines role of gender stereotypes and inequality as well as other socio-cultural, socio-economic and biological factors contributing to the gender differences in the HIV and AIDS epidemics in Africa.
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