Cultural and religious attitudes to HIV/AIDS among the Bajju

Community leaders and parents believe that the upsurge in HIV/AIDS in the Bajju communities is due to non-adherence to Christian moral values by the youth. The Church seems to have lost some of its authority in the villages as evidenced by the increased numbers of unwed mothers and STDs. Religion is used largely as part of the social identity rather than a means of personal change. The suggestion that a male-dominated society should promote fidelity to one sexual partner is considered an affront to men's rights. However the communities are concerned at the devastation caused by the disease ad there may be a cultural transition. There has been attempts to revive cultural values of marital fidelity and chastity that predated Christianity in these communities. In the meantime the burden for the care of victims of HIV/AIDS is borne largely by the women.

Presenting author: K. Dada, 4 King George avenue, Leeds ls1 4lh, United Kingdom, Tel.: + 0113 26 24 833, E-mail: fantsuamfoundation@fantsuam.com