Essien AM; International Conference on AIDS (15th : 2004 : Bangkok, Thailand).
Int Conf AIDS. 2004 Jul 11-16; 15: abstract no. D10649.
University, Uyo, Nigeria
The leaders of most independent Faith-Based Movements in rural South-eastern Nigeria have turned their centres into quasi hospitals thereby claiming to be providing spiritual cure for HIV/AIDS through the practice of Nkukut, (local terminology for clairvoyance). They also encourage the culture of silence on female sexuality and genital mutilation. This type of indoctrination has created negative impacts on female reproductive health and the control of the spread of HIV/AIDS. As a result, 75% of 5,513 women and girls interviewed (most of whom have had unprotected sex) believed that HIV/AIDS and other diseases are caused by witches, and therefore the cure can only be provided by the Nkukut specialists. A further 87% of the women believed that HIV/AIDS is caused by disobedience to God's commandment. Through our non-governmental organization - Human Empowerment and Development Project (HEMADEP) supported by Program for Appropriate Technology in Health (PATH ), we have been organizing workshops, seminars, debates and public enlightenment programs on issues of HIV/AIDS. In partnership with Faith-Based organizations we have created centres for training of girls and women on authentic prevention and control of HIV/AIDS. Our project is currently giving positive outlook to PLWA.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Culture
- Female
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Humans
- Nigeria
- Organizations
- Reproductive Medicine
- Rural Population
- Sexual Behavior
- Sexuality
- Unsafe Sex
- education
- organization & administration
Other ID:
UI: 102277805
From Meeting Abstracts