| 1. Title: More women die of AIDS. Source: REACHING OUT. 2000 May-Jun;3(3):2. Abstract: AIDS is destroying more women than men. This is confirmed by recent mortality records of the Family Health and Population Action Committee (FAHPAC) Home Based Care program. The most pathetic thing is that more women die because of two main reasons. The culture of silence by women, even in the face of injustice. Experience shows that even when it is clear that the problem of HIV infection could be traced to the husband, he cannot be queried by the wife. Most men will treat their sexually transmitted disease and even AIDS without discussing it with their spouses. Poor women! She struggles with diseases for which she is innocent and suffers in silence. A good number of men resist HIV screening when their wives are HIV positive. The woman only bemoans the situation and takes no actions to safeguard her own interest and prevent further infection. The “master” is a sacred cow. Again, the woes that befall a woman whose husband dies of AIDS is intolerable and degrading. She faces a barrage of sanctions and punishments for her sin. She may be beaten up, isolated and ridiculed publicly. Of course, she may automatically lose all her family property to the in-laws. Coupled with all these inhumane treatments, is the possibility of having any of the children test HIV positive. The woman is thus even disadvantaged because she may be completely left to “her own fate.” The clarion call from FAHPAC is for all concerned government, nongovernmental organization and communities to wake up to the support of women who are HIV positive. These women suffer unimaginable deprivation. If they are looking well and not yet showing any signs of AIDS, men still approach them for sex. Even when informed about her HIV positive status, the woman is pressurized to accept unprotected sexual intercourse. It is evident that women who are HIV positive but receive care and support live positively and learn to be selfish with the virus. These reduce the spread and scourge of AIDS. It is a divine obligation to take positive action. We cannot afford to fail. We must protect women's rights. (full text) Language: English Keywords: CRITIQUE | AIDS | WOMEN | CULTURE | GENDER ISSUES | HIV Infections | Viral Diseases | Diseases | Demographic Factors | Population Document Number: 153160 |
 |
||
 |
Information & Knowledge for Optimal Health (INFO) Project 111 Market Place Suite 310, Baltimore, MD 21202 Phone: 410-659-6300 Fax: 410-659-6266 Security & Privacy Policy |  |