HIV/AIDS In South Africa

Introduction Human Immune deficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a well-known global health epidemic. Statistics reveal that South Africa has the highest record of the epidemic compared to any other country in the world with 6.1 million people living with the disease (UNAIDS, 2013). Of this figure the province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has the country’s predominant HIV/AIDS problem (Cullinan, 2013). The young people, especially youths are most exposed to this infection (UNAIDS 2008; UNAIDS 2010). In reality, sexual behaviors such as poor or no use of condoms, Multiple and Concurrent Sexual partners (MCP) and beliefs as well as attitudes are the factors that has influenced the intense increase of the HIV transmission

In this sense, focus should be directly turned onto the traditional health practice which remain reluctant to adopt modern centered views.

In South Africa, research on sexuality has shown multiple ways in which ideology about Sex and gender has contributed immensely to the high HIV risks. For example, Christine Varga (1997), Donald et al. (2001) both condemn pre-marital sex particularly among young women. Putting into consideration the role of culture in South Africa, One could probably assume that the country's culture had played both negative and positive roles on the lives of South Africans in terms of HIV intervention. Vagra (1997: 14) states

However gender violence is a common occurrence in South Africa, where a recent national review estimates that about 13% of women have encountered gender violence (Abdool Karim, 2005).There is also evidence suggesting that violence or a fear of violence prevents women from discussing HIV and AIDS with their partners or requesting them to use of condoms (Jewkes & Levin, 2003; Abdool Karim, 2005; Swanepoel, 2005).

Poverty

Finally, various studies have additionally centered on the financial conditions that improve the spread of HIV in South Africa. With prevalent economic hardship among the majority of the South African population which has been worsened by the spread of HIV. Sexuality has been re-conceptualized as an assets that can be utilized for financial purposes (Leclerc-Madlala et al: 1999). Studies has demonstrated that despite the fact that sex trade may be motivated by the desire to fulfil daily needs, some women also enter into sexual relationships in pursuit of a “modern successful life” (Leclerc-Madlala, 2004, p. 2). The desire to maintain such lifestyles exposes women to the risks of unprotected sex because their clients often control the decision on condom