AIDS in Africa: the implications of economic recession and structural adjustment.

摘要: In Africa where 80% of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) cases are attributable to heterosexual intercourse or vertical transmission it has been assumed that infection flows from a core group highly sexually active prostitutes moderately promiscuous male clients and finally relatively monogamous women childbearing age. This assumption led an emphasis on modifying the behavior individual rather than addressing structural factors underlie AIDS crisis. The latter include womens subordinate status in African society disruption rural families created by migrant labor system inadequate health services. Faced with few employment options many urban forced engage prostitution support themselves their children. Moreover low socioeconomic hinders ability insist use condoms--the major strategy prevention programs. recent economic crisis exacerbated all these problems increasing population at risk through pathways migration poverty cuts It is essential government initiatives go beyond promotion "safe sex" confront fundamental issues such as status. Also needed critical reassessment males more other cultures. Biological genital ulcers transmitted diseases may make men susceptible contracting virus single sexual encounter counterparts countries.