How to improve prevention: empower African women.

Publisher: Family Health International Country of Publication: United States NLM ID: 9509506 Publication Model: Print Cited Medium: Print ISSN: 0270-3637 (Print) Linking ISSN: 02703637 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Netw Res Triangle Park N C

Original Publication: Research Triangle Park, N.C. : Family Health International,

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome* ; Culture* ; Financial Management* ; HIV Infections* ; Public Opinion* ; Women's Rights*; Africa ; Africa South of the Sahara ; Behavior ; Demography ; Developing Countries ; Disease ; Economics ; Politics ; Population ; Population Characteristics ; Social Behavior ; Socioeconomic Factors ; Virus Diseases

Indexing Agency: PIP Local ID #: 083036. Indexing Agency: POP Local ID #: 00221675.
Keywords: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome--prevention and control*; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome--women*; Africa; Africa South Of The Sahara*; Behavior; Cultural Background*; Demographic Factors; Developing Countries; Diseases; Economic Factors; Female Role*; Financial Activities; Funds*; Hiv Infections--prevention and control*; Hiv Infections--women*; Interest Groups*; Political Factors; Population; Population Characteristics; Social Behavior; Socioeconomic Factors; Viral Diseases; Women's Status*
Note: TJ: NETWORK
Local Abstract: [PIP] Women as individuals, mothers, partners of persons with AIDS, and caregivers are increasingly at risk and exposed to the consequences of HIV infection. Despite these conditions, inadequate program attention is directed toward women. In 1988, the Society of Women and AIDS in Africa (SWAA) organized to address the special needs, constraints and vulnerabilities of women in relation to HIV/AIDS. SWAA presently comprises chapters in 25 African countries and offers a forum for African women to challenge the threat of HIV/AIDS and cope with its effect upon lives, families, and communities. The organization has generally helped get women on the AIDS prevention and control agenda. SWAA hopes to empower women against HIV/AIDS by identifying the major HIV/AIDS risk factors for women and the barriers to prevention and control; ensuring that women-centered prevention and control strategies are incorporated into national AIDS programs; fostering the development of AIDS programs for women at the national level; and promoting the rights of women affected and infected by HIV/AIDS. Cultural and gender factors such as polygamy, child and forced marriages, and wife inheritance compromise womens sociocultural and economic status and impede the realization of these objectives. Moreover, some AIDS program managers in Africa are insensitive to women and AIDS issues; the health care system does not target women's needs related to AIDS such as access to proper diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases; and economic conditions make it difficult for women to earn a living. To best make progress toward the goals of SWAA, AIDS program managers, opinion and policy leaders, and private health care providers must be sensitized to and educated on the issues at stake for women. Donor agencies also need to earmark funds for training, programs, and implementations of projects among community-based groups which focus upon women and AIDS.

Date Created: 19930501 Date Completed: 19931201 Latest Revision: 20120817

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