Assessing Cultural Boundaries and Barriers to HIV/AIDS Prevention in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), the cause of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), is a chronic and progressive disease that is easily transmitted but also easily prevented. The best practice for HIV prevention among women of childbearing age in Tanzania proposed in this paper is based on the current evidence-based strategies being implemented by the World Health Organization, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), and the government of the United Republic of Tanzania. The best practice proposed is focused on increasing knowledge, increasing access, and decreasing discrimination through community involvement. An implementation pilot based on the best practice program proposed for a rural community is presented. By increase both access and knowledge, there can be a decrease in HIV transmission for women of childbearing age.