HIV & AIDS Prevalence Fears in South Sudan South Sudan could be a fertile ground for the spread of the virus causing HIV and AIDS infection if prevention strategies are not in place. This was said by Father Alex Ojiera last Monday during a homily at the Rumbek Catholic Church.02 March 2011 Church leaders in a recent gathering, Rumbek [File Photo] By Manyang Mayom
RUMBEK, March 1, 2011 [Gurtong] - Fr. Alex who has a background in HIV and AIDS Management and Home Care said, “the traditional culture of polygamy and inheritance of widows in South Sudan makes the nation a fertile ground for the spread of HIV and AIDs”. He said that a polygamous man, who contracts the virus and dies after infecting his wives, exposes the virus to the community since the widows will be inherited by other polygamous men who will in turn spread it to other sexual partners. Fr. Ojier Insisted on the need of awareness about HIV and AIDs to the various communities in Southern Sudan. He confirmed that pastoral agents are already involved in informing communities about the reality of HIV and AIDS during Eucharistic gatherings, adding that they encourage people to know their HIV and AIDS status through testing. “Although one can contract the virus through sharing syringes or even sharp object like razorblades with infected persons, sexual intercourse remains the leading way of passing on the virus”, Fr. Ojier added. In addition to the awareness strategies, Rumbek Catholic Church Good News Radio is in dialogue with a ACROSS (an Interdenominational, International Christian Organization) to produce a radio drama program on HIV and AIDs based on a manual called “I Want To Know HIV/AIDs Drama for Southern Sudan” in English and Dinka language. Posted in: Home, Health -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "JFD info" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/jfdinfo?hl=en.
