Source: The Southern Times
In Africa, the two major routes through which the HIV virus that causes AIDS is transmitted are unprotected sex and mother-to-child HIV transmission during pregnancy, labour and breastfeeding.
It has been scientifically proven that the risk of HIV transmission during sex is greatest with anal sex, followed by vaginal sex and lastly with oral sex.
During vaginal sex, which is the most widely practiced, the chance of HIV transmission from a man to a woman is two to three times greater than transmission from a woman to a man. This is due to the biological make up of the female genital tract, which has a large, exposed surface area.
Semen has higher viral load than vaginal fluids and with unprotected sex, the semen stays longer in the female genital tract after the act, which increases chances of HIV transmission.
It has also been proven that the genital tract of young girls is immature and more prone to invasion by HIV.
Sexually transmitted infections, which increase the chances of HIV transmission and acquisition of HIV, can occur in women without being recognised.
This increases the chances of HIV transmission and acquisition by women.
Furthermore, women in some African cultures use herbs to "tighten" the vagina to remedy what they call "dry sex", a practice that causes tearing in the genital tract during sex and makes women more likely to transmit or acquire HIV.
Lastly, forced or coerced sex - which is common but rarely reported by women - increases the chances of HIV transmission.
In many African cultures, there is tolerance for multiple sexual partnerships, including extra-marital sex by men.
Marriage and monogamous relationships do not protect women from HIV infection.
Ironically, unmarried women are safer than those married to unfaithful husbands.
This can be seen through common sayings such as, "AIDS can meet you in the bedroom". "In polygamous societies, a man can have many sexual partners but a woman has to be faithful to one". "A woman for whom bride-price has been paid is even more vulnerable to HIV".
On the other hand, studies have found that intergeneration sex is common in Africa. Young girls are having sex with older men or sugar daddies as they are referred to ‑ for money or gifts.
Even culturally, women are found to marry men who are much older than them and more sexually experienced, thus exposing them to the risks of HIV.
There is a danger of young women seeking sexual satisfaction outside marriage, thus exposing them to the risk of HIV.
Sexual violence against women and girls is also common, including rape and defilement. There is also a false belief that a man who is infected with HIV can be "cleansed" of the virus by having intercourse with a virgin.
A number of young girls have reported forceful initiation into sex by older sexual partners. Sexual harassment can also occur at work places, even among educated women, during job hiring, promotion and to avoid dismissal.
Fear of violence often leads to acceptance of sex and without protection. Orphans and domestic workers are also vulnerable to sexual abuse.
Therefore, the Africa continent needs to address the root cause of HIV transmission, protect the rights of girls and women and target activities that improve the status of girls and women by providing training, life skills and access to work.
Girls should be educated to raise their awareness on HIV infection and prevention methods, delaying sex and having choice in marriage.
Education would also improve the status of women in society and achievement of autonomy.
Lastly, it is time governments in Africa walk the talk by enforcing laws that provide protection for women's right, access to resources, fair treatment, as well ban cultural practices that allow female genital mutilations and other harmful practices like forced marriages and wife inheritance.
These are the ugly facts about HIV transmission, so let's do all we can to protect ourselves.
Until then