AEGiS-15IAC: Sociocultural and religious factors that hinder HIV/AIDS prevention and render the population vunerable: The case of Bandjoun in West Cameroon.

15th International AIDS Conference

Bangkok, Thailand - July 11-16, 2004

Sociocultural and religious factors that hinder HIV/AIDS prevention and render the population vunerable: The case of Bandjoun in West Cameroon.

Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. TuOrD1164)

Ngnie Tagne S, Kengne Siriaque KS, Tagne AF
Society for Women Against AIDS in Africa - Cameroon, Yaounde, Cameroon

BACKGROUND: Sub-Saharan Africa is the most hit by HIV/AIDS, 26.6 million cases in 2003, 3.2 million newly infected and 2.3 million deaths. Women are more exposed than men to infection. Youth aged 15-24 are seriously hit by this pandemic, especially girls who have intercourse at early ages with elderly persons who are more likely to be infected. Despite the vigorous campaign put in place at the begining of the pandemic, the prevalence rate is growing traimendously in Cameroon; from 0,5% in 1985 to 11,8% in 2002. To ameliorate this situation, there is the need to identify factors that favour this increasing prevalence rate. To afford this, we choose the case of Bandjoun, a village in West Cameroon, rich in socio-cultural practices that render the population vulnerable.

METHODS: Collection of qualitative and quantitative data, through surveys with traditional custodians, notables, community/religious leaders-Focus group discussion-Interviews-Administration of questionnaire to a sample of target population & Observation.

RESULT: Identification of 13 traditional rites and ethno cultural practices susceptible to expose someone to VIH infection-85% of households practice polygamy-45% of men have concubines-90% of women are submissive to husbands-96% of women could not initiate divorce in case of infidelity by partner-15% of youth voluntarily accepted to inherit their brothers widows and property-Sex is a taboo in 89% cases-100% of religious leaders condemn the use of preservatives. Conclusion There are many factors of vulnerability which contribute to ineffectiveness of prevention of HIV in Cameroon. All these factors should be taken into account for the elaborating of national policies on prevention. The effective implication and integration of community/religious leaders will change behaviour, attitude and consequently reduce the prevalence rate. Advocacy for the inclusion of sex education in the educational curriculum is currently in progress.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV Seropositivity, Population, Africa South of the Sahara, HIV Infections, Prevalence, Taboo, Infection, Socioeconomic Factors, Health Services Needs and Demand, Cameroon, Interpersonal Relations, Residence Characteristics, Humans, Female, Male, prevention & control, organization & administration

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TuOrD1164