Anthropology: a social science in the control of HIV transmission in Africa

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Periodical article

Title:	Anthropology: a social science in the control of HIV transmission in Africa
Author:	Nyamongo, Isaac K.
Year:	1995
Periodical:	African Anthropology (ISSN 1024-0969)
Volume:	2
Issue:	1
Period:	March
Pages:	45-58
Language:	English
Notes:	biblio. refs.
Geographic terms:	Subsaharan Africa Africa
Subjects:	anthropological research sexuality AIDS Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups) Health and Nutrition Bibliography/Research Anthropology and Archaeology Medicine, Nutrition, Public Health Disease transmission Cultural factors Traditional practices circumcision Polygyny Social and cultural anthropology AIDS (Disease)--Prevention
Abstract:	Demographic data reveal that AIDS predominantly affects young and middle-aged people. Among the adult population of Africa, the largest group of infected people are between 16 and 29 years old. Sub-Saharan African countries should recognize the potential impact of HIV/AIDS on children and the larger population by increasing their efforts to reduce HIV transmission rates. Two of the most common cultural practices in sub-Saharan Africa which affect the transmission of HIV are circumcision and the laxity in sexual prohibitions following it, and polygyny. Anthropologists could contribute to the control of HIV transmission in Africa by investigating changing sexual relations and practices in a context of changing sociocultural conditions. Bibliogr.