Share

Fear of infection drove Aids decline in Zimbabwe

Fear of infection helped drive a 50% decline in new cases of HIV in Zimbabwe from 1997 to 2007, said an international study published in the United States.

The analysis of social factors that helped to halve what was once one of the worst Aids epidemics in the world could offer lessons for other nations struggling with HIV rates, the study authors suggested.

"Today's findings strongly show that people in Zimbabwe have primarily been motivated to change their sexual behaviour because of improved public awareness of Aids deaths and a subsequent fear of contracting the virus," said the study in PloS medicine.

Strong marriage traditions

Attitude changes were rooted in mass media campaigns that infiltrated church settings, workplaces and other activities, the researchers said.

Other factors that may have set Zimbabwe apart from "included its well-educated population and strong traditions of marriage," said the study.

Lead researchers were Simon Gregson and Timothy Hallett from the School of Public Health at Imperial College London.

(Sapa, February 2011)

Read more:

What is HIV/Aids

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE