1. AIDS Has a Woman’s Face UNAIDS/W.Phillip AP CMCH
2. “ Women are the backbone of society. Therefore, keeping women healthy is not just the right thing to do; it’s the smart thing to do. The simple truth is that empowering women and girls to protect themselves and their families from AIDS is key to turning the tide.” - Dr. Peter Piot, UNAIDS Executive Director
In the 1980s, HIV predominantly affected hemophiliacs, intravenous drug users, and men who have sex with men. Now, HIV has a greater effect on women, who often contract the virus through heterosexual contact. Too often women contract the virus from a partner who they believe is monogamous or to whom they are married. Because these women are not in a position to or lack the knowledge to negotiate condom use, they are at increased risk.
Education would: convey basic facts about HIV/AIDS. Dispel harmful myths and stereotypical notions of masculinity and femininity that underlie destructive behaviors and attitudes; provide a warning that marriage does not protect against HIV; involve both young men and women in promoting sexual health. Break the cycle of poverty by empowering women economically by providing access to credit and business and leadership skills.
The AIDS advocacy Network (AAN) is a network of medical, premedical and others in the health professions that seeks to unite students in these fields around the country to bring the important perspective of the medical community to bear in the fight against Global AIDS .
