Abstract

PIP: In East and Central Africa, the HIV/AIDS epidemic has gone beyond the point at which it is effective to target only high-risk groups. Everyone who is sexually active is at high risk of infection. The author notes growing recognition that an effective approach to slowing the AIDS epidemic needs to be multisectoral and broadly-based. He discusses the family, commercial sex, the traditional virtue of submission among Ugandan women, and AIDS and cultural values in the rural Ugandan context. People are loathe to confront head-on the sensitive issues related to the continued spread of HIV infection. Until such issues are dealt with in a straightforward manner, however, positive behavioral change toward the reduction of risk for contracting and transmitting HIV will not be realized. Efforts must be made to seize upon the increasing willingness among many to confront the sensitive issues through direct and appropriate education and discourse.