Complementary Factors Contributing To The Rapid Spread Of HIV-I In Sub-Saharan Africa: A Review

There are many reasons why the spread of HIV-1 in SSA has not been declining over the years. Main risk factors for HIV-1 infection and AIDS disease in SSA were found to include poverty, famine, low status of women in society, corruption, naive risk taking perception, resistance to sexual behaviour change, high prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STI), internal conflicts and refugee status, antiquated beliefs, lack of recreational facilities, ignorance of individual's HIV status, child and adult prostitution, uncertainty of safety of blood intended for transfusion, widow inheritance, circumcision, illiteracy and female genital cutting and polygamy. It is suggested that control programmes both local and donor-driven seeking to mitigate the spread of HIV-1 in SSA should take into account the apparent multiplicity of sub-Saharan African cultures and beliefs, some of which augment the spread of HIV-1.