AIDS: the mad-dog curse of Africa
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21504/sajg.v9i1.188Abstract
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.References
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Wilson, A.O. & Adamchak, D.J. 2000. AIDS in Africa: the grandmothers' disease. Comment. Journal of Age Related Disorders, 12(1): 5-6.
Adamchak, D.J. 1996. Population ageing: gender, family support and the economic condition of older Africans. Southern African Journal of Gerontology. 5(2): 3-8.
Foster, G. 1997. Children rearing children: a study of child-headed households. Paper read in the Socio-demographic Impact of AIDS in Africa Conference, Durban, February 3-6.
Mupedziswa, R. 1997. AIDS and older Zimbabweans: who will care for the carers? Southern African Journal of Gerontology, 6(2): 9-12.
Myslik, W.D., Freeman, A. & Slawski, J. 1997. Implications of AIDS for the South African age population profile, Southern African Journal of Gerontology, 6(2): 3-8.
Okatcha, K. 2000. Impact of HIV/AIDS on older persons in Africa. In: Ferreira, M., Apt, N. & Kirambi, A, (Compilers) Ageing in changing societies: Africa preparing for the next millennium. (AGES workshop report,) London: Brook Green Print, pp. 87-95.
Saoke, P., Muterni, R. & Blair, C, 1996. Another song begins: children orphaned by AIDS. In: Forsythe, S. & Rau, B. (Eds) AIDS in Kenya: socioeconomic impact and policy implications. New York: US Agency for International Development, AIDSCAP, Family Health International, pp. 45-64.
Tlou, S.D. 1998. Outcomes of a community-based HIV/AIDS education programme for rural older women in Botswana. Southern African Journal of Gerontology, 7(2): 23-26,
Tlou, S.D. 1996. Empowering older women in AIDS prevention: the case of Botswana. Southern African Journal of Gerontology, 5(2): 27-32.
UNAIDS. 1997 Children living in a world with AIDS. Geneva: World AIDS Campaign Media Briefing. UNA1DS/WHO. 1997. Report on the global HIV/AIDS epidemic. Geneva: WHO.
United States Bureau of the Census. 1999. HIV/AIDS in the developing world. Report WP/98-2, Washington, DC: US Government Printing Office.
Wahome, S. 2000. Impact of HIV/AIDS on older persons in Kenya. In: Ferreira, M., Apt, N. & Kirambi, A. (Compilers) Ageing in changing societies: Africa preparing for the next millennium. (AGES workshop report.) London: Brook Green Print, pp, 96-102.
Wilson, A.O. & Adamchak, D.J. 2000. AIDS in Africa: the grandmothers' disease. Comment. Journal of Age Related Disorders, 12(1): 5-6.
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2000-04-01
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