AIDS: the mad-dog curse of Africa

The AIDS epidemic in sub-Saharan African countries, particularly in the southern African region, is akin to a mad dog - rampant, stealthy, stalking. It ruthlessly and savagely attacks whomever comes in its path. It bites indiscriminately, gnawing at poverty itself. A curse, many say. AIDS is a mad-dog curse, wrested on Africa’s people in wrath. A curse that breaks up households, tears families and communities apart, and leaves individuals, mainly older persons, to hold together the remnants. Myths and superstitions abound that AIDS is a product of witchcraft.