Panafrican News Agency - March 3, 1999
Magoiga Seba, who heads the Nairobi-based "Foundation for the Development of African Culture" called for research to establish the role played by cultural practices in the spread of HIV/AIDS in the country.
Seba noted that there was no empirical evidence to prove that practices such as wife inheritance and lack of curcumcision among some ethnic groups have led to rapid spread of AIDS in some parts of Kenya, notably the western Nyanza province.
He, however, conceded that the break up of the African cultural set-ups and subsequent influx of western values may be a leading factor contributing to the spread of AIDS.
The socio-cultural anthropologist supported recent calls by elders from the Luo ethnic group that certain practices be subjected to radical changes but cautioned that any changes should be done in consultation with local people.
"It is true that certain practices like insisting on burying people in their ancestral homes are unrealistic since they are too expensive and unnecessary burdensome and therefore should be phased out," he said in a brief to journalists.
990303
PA990301
Copyright © 1999 - Panafrican News Agency. For information about the content or for permission to redistribute, publish or use for broadcast, contact the publisher: The Panafrican News Agency B.P. 4056, Dakar, Senegal. Tel: (221) 824-13-95 Fax: (221) 824-13-90 E-mail: quoiset@sonatel.senet.net.
ÆGiS is made possible through unrestricted grants from Boehringer Ingelheim, iMetrikus, Inc., the National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1999. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
ÆGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1990, 2000. ÆGIS. All materials appearing on ÆGIS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of ÆGIS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. Feedback/Contact Us.