Ignorance about Sex Increases HIV/AIDS in Africa
[ Samuel Niyitunga]
In Burundi as well as in many African countries, sexuality is taboo and some social norms make the situation difficult for parents to talk openly to their young children, who often are expected to know little about sex and sexuality. Consequently, this lack of knowledge on sexuality magnifies their risk of HIV infection.
Parents sometimes find it hard to have an open discussion on sexuality with their daughters; as a result, the latter fail to know how to protect themselves against HIV infection. In a study conducted in countries such as Cameroon, Lesotho, Mali, and Senegal, two thirds or more of young girls (aged 15 to 24 years) failed to respect the three HIV prevention methods.
A recent study in Kanembwa Burundian refugee camp revealed that most of the young men and women are aware of HIV/AIDS, its impacts and the ways of prevention but here again, the information they have is not from parents, rather from media such as radio, newspapers, community services operating in the camp and different organizations like “Stop-Sida Nkebure Uwumva” and “New Generation”.
It is important for educators to recognize that knowledge about sex in general is not only a way through which people can learn about HIV/AIDS, but also one of the methods of prevention because: “To know the disease is half the cure.”