Prevent spread of HIV by protecting women's rights: Editorial

[theHandpuppet]

http://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorials/2014/07/22/prevent_spread_of_hiv_by_protecting_womens_rights_editorial.html
The Toronto Star
23 July, 2014
Prevent spread of HIV by protecting women's rights: Editorial
A global conference on HIV/AIDS needs to act on the recognition that AIDS is a women's epidemic.

(excerpt)
Indeed, in 2012 the majority of the 35 million people living with HIV globally were women. In fact, in sub-Saharan Africa the percentage of women aged 15-49 living with HIV is twice that of men the same age, a result of the cultural tradition of marrying off young girls to older men who are more likely to be infected.

And while women are physically more likely than men to become infected through unprotected heterosexual intercourse, in many countries they are unable to negotiate condom use.

Worse, they are often subjected to non-consensual sex. Research indicates 37 per cent of women living with HIV have been physically assaulted. And Dr. Mona Loutfy, an AIDS expert with Women’s College Hospital in Toronto, reports that part of the incidence of HIV among women is caused by targeted rape during wars.

Cultural traditions in some countries also play a role, she notes, particularly one that suggests a man can cure AIDS by having unprotected sex with a virgin. And depriving girls of an education robs them of the knowledge they need to protect themselves and their children, never mind the economic clout they need to delay marriage and negotiate safe sex.... MORE

[sheshe2]

1. You highlighted this, theHandpuppet

I am doing it again!

Cultural traditions in some countries also play a role, she notes, particularly one that suggests a man can cure AIDS by having unprotected sex with a virgin. And depriving girls of an education robs them of the knowledge they need to protect themselves and their children, never mind the economic clout they need to delay marriage and negotiate safe sex.

WTF! Damn them all to hell!