This study deals with the impact of HIV/AIDS on women living in chronic poverty. The question arises: Do we focus on their HIV/AIDS stories only or do we include their other lived experiences? This phenomenological study, on two sets of three generations of women infected and affected by HIV/AIDS and living in poverty, is an attempt at understanding the way the women experience their lifeworlds, not only their HIV/AIDS stories. One set includes a grandmother, her daughter who is living with full-blown AIDS, and her granddaughter, while the other includes a grandmother, her daughter and her granddaughter infected with HIV. The initial focus of the study was on the women’s HIV/AIDS narratives. However as the study progressed, especially during the interviews, it became apparent that the women’s generational poverty or chronic poverty was of greater concern to them than the HIV/AIDS that they were experiencing. Of the six participants, only one woman centred her life story on HIV/AIDS. This finding echoes other studies on HIV/AIDS among poor women: that chronic poverty is more threatening to the women than the risk or reality of AIDS. As a phenomenological researcher my aim was to focus on the participants’ own interpretations of the studied phenomenon. However, this was inadequate in accounting for the role that social structures play in shaping and informing the women’s subjective consciousness and experience. For this reason, I used feminist ideas to understand and interpret the women’s patriarchal experiences.

M.A. / This study explores the experience of pregnancy from the perspective of HIV-positive women. To shed light on this phenomenon, the existing literature was examined and it was found that very few studies have investigated South African women’s experience in this context. Existing findings tend to focus on the day-to-day impact of HIV on a woman’s mothering role rather than on her experience of pregnancy in particular. Pregnancy can be viewed as a process of growth, during which the relationship between the mother and her baby is prepared. For most women, acceptance of pregnancy is associated with the development of an attachment to the foetus. However, the nature of emotional support received during pregnancy can affect the development of the mothers’ attachment to the baby. Moreover, a pregnancy experience is coloured by a complex of personal needs and expectations, health status, as well as emotional, psychosocial and physical circumstances. In this regard, an HIV-positive status may influence an expectant woman’s perception of her health. Generally, being HIV positive and physically healthy is experienced as a complex psychological state, where a chronic sense of uncertainty can precipitate various somatic and psychological symptoms of distress. HIV-positive individuals who experience the most distress tend to have difficulty with initiating contact with sources of support. The focal point of this study was to understand the psychological implications of pregnancy delineated by an HIV-infection, as well as the meanings that these mothers attribute to the experience. Accordingly, a phenomenological framework was adopted to investigate the lived world of the HIV-positive pregnant woman. Phenomenologically informed interviews were conducted with HIV-positive women in the last trimester of their pregnancies, with the aim of obtaining an in-depth account of their experience of pregnancy. These women all knew about their HIV status for at least three years before falling pregnant. The interviews of three of the four participants were transcribed, followed by analyses and descriptions that were guided by phenomenological principles. The findings offer a phenomenological description of themes that form part of the phenomenon of pregnancy in the face of an HIV-positive status for these women. Their experience of pregnancy was characterized by significant emotional distress fuelled by fear of disclosing their status to their children and health care staff, uncertainty about the future, as well as having significant worry about their own and the baby’s health. These mothers adopted a cautious, wait-and-see attitude toward the pregnancy and they coped by distancing themselves from negative affect. Because they did not want to burden their families, they carried much of their emotional distress on their own. HIV-positive pregnant mothers seem to be proactive in looking after their health, possibly as a result of antenatal care. However, they are vigilant about physical changes as well as markers of health, such as CD4 counts, and shifts can be anxiety provoking. Finally, pregnancy intendedness forms a significant part of the overall experience, where a pregnant mother may consider termination of an unexpected pregnancy on the grounds of her HIV-positive status. Negotiating the decision or ability to terminate, can also have an influence on the overall experience of the pregnancy. In conclusion, an overview of the findings leads to tentative recommendations that may alleviate the emotional difficulties experienced by HIV-positive pregnant women. These findings need to be viewed in conjunction with the evaluation of the strengths and limitations. Although this study has yielded some findings that can contribute toward a deeper understanding of HIV-positive women’s experience of their pregnancies, a number of additional issues have arisen as a result of these findings. There is thus a need for further research on the topic and to this end, some suggestions for future research are offered.

Magister Legum - LLM / It is within the context of the persistent feminisation of the HIV and AIDS pandemic that this study, based on the normative provisions of the African Women's Protocol, focused on gender, sex and sexuality in the context of HIV and AIDS. The regime of the African Women's Protocol embodies a framework that can be utilised to combat HIV/AIDS amongst women in Africa by addressing some of the most important issues that need to be tackled if women are to live through this epidemic. / South Africa

This study sought to establish gender perceptual differences and their effects on the implementation of Policy in the prevention of HIV/AIDS in Makoni District, Zimbabwe. The role of women as caregivers to HIV/AIDS sufferers is also highlighted and how this has deprived them towards social, political and economic development. The source of the data used was the World Health Organisation (WHO) project on Family Planning and AIDS. The sample of the study comprised of 100 men and women from Makoni District, Zimbabwe. In addition to the survey question, focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted. The FGD data complimented the survey results with qualitative information. The objectives of the study looked at people’s attitudes, cultural practices and sexual practices. These were analysed to determine how the gender issues within them affected the HIV/AIDS prevention strategies. The five major prevention strategies focused on in this study are: · promotion of condom use; · reduction of the number of sexual partners; · sticking to one sexual partner; · control and Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs); and · Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) for HIV to prevent vertical transmission of the disease. Although, the majority of the women indicated that it was acceptable for a married woman to ask her husband to use condoms, this was disputed by the findings from the FGDs. Issues of trust and fidelity were raised,but many men and women reported that they were not prepared to confront one another. The FGD results revealed that the men assert that it is normal for every man to have extra marital relationships, therefore they do not see anything wrong with it. It also came out that there are women who both have no income or partner to support them financially and are living in absolute poverty. These women, if anything, are more likely to increase the number of their sexual partners than reduce them so that they increase their economic base inorder to support their families. It has been established that for effective treatment and control of STDs, there is need for both partners to cooperate and seek treatment at the same time. However, the findings from this study revealed that lack of communication between sexual partners hampered the treatment of these diseases. On the other hand, the men indicated that talking to their wives about STDs would compel them to say where they got it. On the other hand the women reported that their men would accuse them of infidelity if they told them of an STD. FGD results however revealed that men and women were prepared to have HIV testing so that they would know of their status before planning a family. The gender perceptual differences on HIV/AIDS prevention have been identified as follows: · the need for male compliance to use condoms effectively; · the fear of losing trust by suggesting condom use; and · acceptance of male promiscuity by society that perpetuates that risky behaviour and exposure to HIV/AIDS infection and lack of communication between sexual partners, are a hindrance for effective control and treatment of STDs.

Thesis (M. Tech. (Biomedical technology)) - Central University of technology, Free State, 2013 / Breastfeeding is a major source of childhood nutrition and protection, but with South Africa having one of the highest HIV prevalence in the world the risk of HIV transmission from mother to infant through breastfeeding becomes a major issue. Infant mortality due to malnutrition and infections is also of great concern. Exclusive breastfeeding and giving antiretroviral drugs to the HIV-infected mother and the HIV-exposed infant is one of the most significant ways to improve infant survival rates and reduce transmission of HIV through breastfeeding. Whether HIV disease progression and its metabolic impact on the mother will affect the nutrient composition of breast milk is a question that arises. The aim of this study was to determine the possible association between the stage of HIV disease, as measured by the immunological markers, and the nutrient composition of breast milk. The study population consisted of 60 HIV infected female volunteers who were divided into two groups. Milk and blood samples were obtained from 30 HIV-positive women that was not on any ARV treatment and from 30 HIV-positive women that was on ARV treatment. Their HIV status and treatment regime were obtained from their files. Participants were also asked to complete a questionnaire. Macro-nutrients that were measured included lactose, proteins, fat, total solids and the energy content of the breast milk. This was done on the MIRIS Human milk analyser. The micro-nutrients that were measured were calcium and phosphate on the DXC 800 chemistry analyser. Blood analysis was included to determine the stage of HIV disease progression in the HIV-positive mothers and comprised of a CD4/CD8+ T cell count, viral load and a full blood count. CD4/CD8+ T cells were determined using flowcytometry on the BD FACScalibur. The COBAS AmpliPrep/COBAS TaqMan HIV-1 Test was used for the determination of the viral load and the full blood count was done using a Sysmex XT2000i haematology analyser. When comparing the analysed haematological variables, the white blood cells and red blood cells indicated a significant difference between the two groups. Both of the groups were anaemic. The CD3+ T cell count was higher and the CD4+ T cell count was lower than the reference range in both groups. The median CD4+ T cells and HIV-1 viral load for the HIV with treatment group was higher than the HIV-infected without treatment group. The analyzed milk data yielded no p-value of great significance, suggesting that there was no statistically significant difference recorded of the measured nutrients between mothers receiving treatment and those who did not receive any treatment for HIV. The Spearman Correlation Coefficient was used to determine if HIV disease progression would have an influence on the nutrients that were measured. For the HIV-infected without treatment group, a significant correlation was found between the HIV-1 viral load and percentage total solids in breast milk. For the HIV-infected with treatment group the only positive correlation was between the CD4+ T cell count and the percentage total solids and energy content of the breast milk. No strong positive correlation could be established between the immunological markers of HIV disease progression and the analysed nutrients in the breast milk. Taking this into consideration, HIV-positive mothers can breastfeed their babies even if their HIV status is at a more advance phase, but the emphasis should be placed on exclusive breastfeeding and getting the needed support to breastfeed.

Assignment (M. Div.)--University of Stellenbosch, 2006. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: HIV/AIDS has a great impact on lives of all South Africans – but especially on women. HIV/AIDS also presents the greatest threat and danger to the ones living in poverty and without sufficient education and independence in relationships –that mostly includes South African women. In a first chapter I will discuss the connection between poverty and HIV/AIDS as well as between HIV/AIDS and the status of women in South Africa. In a second chapter I want to discuss a feminist ecclesiology of memory and hope and how it is presented by the catholic feminist theologian Elizabeth A. Johnson. In a third chapter I want to use the feminist ecclesiology of memory and hope to link it with the context of South Africa. In that last part I want to give a framework of the effect that a feminist ecclesiology of memory and hope could have on the South African society. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: HIV/VIGS het 'n groot impak op die lewe van alle Suid-Afrikaners - veral op die lewens van vroue. HIV/VIGS is ook een van die grootste bedreigings en gevare vir mense wat in armoede leef en geen toegang het tot voldoende onderrig en onafhanklikheid in verhoudings nie. Vroue word weereens die meeste geimpakteer. In die eerste hoofstuk sal ek hierdie verhouding tussen armoede en HIV/VIGS bespreek sowel as tussen HIV/AIDS en die status van vroue in Suid-Afrika. In die tweede hoofstuk wil ek die boek aangaande ’n feministiese ekklesiologie deur die katolieke feministiese teoloog Elizabeth A. Johnson bespreek. In die derde hoofstuk wil ek hierdie feministiese ekklesiologie van herinnering en hoop gebruik en dit toepas op die konteks van Suid-Afrika. In die laaste hoofstuk wil ek 'n raamwerk oor die effek wat hierdie feministiese ekklesiologie van herinnering en hoop op die Suid-Afrikaanse gemeenskap kan hê, weergee.

Thesis (MPhil (Public Management and Planning))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The research was conducted to explore the experiences of people living with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) (PLWAs), especially women, as well as the factors influencing their non-participation in development projects aimed at improving their socio-economic status. The study was conducted amongst PLWAs who are members of the Tembisa Main Clinic and Winnie Mandela Clinic support groups in Tembisa, South Africa. The researcher was motivated to conduct the research because in her work as a social worker she is confronted daily with PWLAs who are from disadvantaged backgrounds and are struggling to make ends meet. Initiatives have been undertaken to try and encourage self–reliance and improve the health status of these women by developing food gardens to provide them with fresh vegetables and possible income sources from these gardens. The reluctance of members of two support groups of PLWAs to stay involved in these projects encouraged the researcher to explore these issues. The researcher consulted various sources to obtain literature on the factors influencing non-participation in development projects. In addition she undertook a qualitative study, wherein twenty participants participated. The data from this study was then interpreted and compared to the literature. The findings of this study highlighted several factors such as discrimination, local beliefs, stigma and lack of support, which influence the non- participation of PWLAs in sustainable development projects. The findings of this research also indicate that developments projects often fail to thrive because of topdown decisions about the projects, the fact that there is no start-up funding available for the projects and participants who become demotivated to participate. The research therefore concludes with recommendations in order to address these problems. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die navorsing is onderneem om die ondervinding van mense, veral vroue, wat met Verworwe Immuniteitsgebrek Sindroom (VIGS) lewe, te ondersoek, asook die faktore wat hulle daarvan weerhou om deel te neem aan ontwikkelingsprojekte wat daarop gemik is om hul sosio-ekonomiese status te verbeter. Die studie is onderneem onder pasiënte wat lede was van ondersteuningsgroepe by Tembisa Hoofkliniek en Winnie Mandela Kliniek in Tembisa, Suid-Afrika. Die navorser is gemotiveerd om die studie te onderneem omdat sy daagliks in haar werk as sosiale werker gekonfronteer is deur mense wat met VIGS lewe, wat uit minder bevoorregte agtergronde kom en wat sukkel om te oorleef. Inisiatiewe is onderneem om hierdie vroue se selfstandigheid te bevorder en om hul gesondheidstatus te verbeter deur groente tuine te ontwikkel om hulle van vars groente te verskaf, asook moontlike inkomstebronne uit hierdie tuine. Die onwilligheid van die lede van twee ondersteuningsgroepe om in hierdie projekte betrokke te bly, het die navorser aangemoedig om hierdie aangeleentheid verder te ondersoek. Die navorser het verskeie bronne geraadpleeg om literatuur te verkry oor die faktore wat die nie-deelname in ontwikkelingsprojekte beïnvloed. Sy het ook kwalitatiewe studie onderneem waaraan twintig respondente deelgeneem het. Die data van hierdie navorsing is daarna geïnterpreteer en met die literatuur vergelyk. Die bevindinge van hierdie navorsing het verskeie faktore uitgelig wat die niedeelname beïnvloed van mense wat met VIGS lewe, soos diskriminasie, plaaslike gelowe, stigma en gebrek aan ondersteuning. Die navorsing het ook bevind dat ontwikkelingsprojekte dikwels nie floreer nie as gevolg van die ‘topdown’ besluitneming oor die projekte en omdat daar nie genoegsame vooraf befondsing beskikbaar is vir die projekte nie en die deelnemers dus demotiveer om verder deel te neem. Die navorsing sluit dus af met voorstelle om hierdie probleme aan te spreek.

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Title The Effect of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy on Human Papilloma Virus Infection and Cervical Cytological Abnormalities in Women Living With HIV Background Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection causes cervical cancer. The prevalence of HPV-related dysplastic lesions is significantly higher in patients co-infected with the HI virus and thought to be linked to possible more persistent HPV infection. There is, however, conflicting evidence as to whether treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection with antiretroviral agents may influence cervical HPV infection and the behaviour of Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions (SIL). Aims To examine the effect of the initiation of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) on: 1) the persistence of cervical Low-grade SIL (LSIL); 2) The progression of cervical LSIL to High-Grade SIL (HSIL); 3) The effectiveness of excision treatment of HSIL 4) HPV genotypes detected, in HIVinfected and uninfected women at the Infectious Diseases Clinic and the Colposcopy Clinic, Tygerberg Teaching Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa. Design and Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of 1720 women with LSIL of the survival of progression-free-time or time-to-clearance. Time to progression or persistence was compared according to HIV status, antiretroviral treatment and CD4 count. In another retrospective cohort analysis, we investigated the effectiveness of excision treatment in 1848 women who underwent LLETZ or CKC biopsy was used. Logistic regression and survival analysis were used to compare excision treatment failure and recurrence-free time between groups according to HIV status, antiretroviral therapy and CD4 count. To investigate the effect of antiretroviral therapy on the cervical HPV infection, 300 HIV-infected women were prospectively enrolled and followed at 6-monthly interval. Cytological testing and cervical HPV sampling were done at each visit. Biopsy of suspicious lesions and excision treatment were done at colposcopy clinic according to standard a protocol. The Roche Linear array HPV genotyping test was used for HPV detection. Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) multivariate analysis was applied to investigate the effect of cART on the detection of HPV infection, while adjusting for time-dependent covariates such as CD4 count, sexual activity and excision treatment. The effect on each HPV type was then also compared to the effect on HPV16. Results Overall, we found that there was no difference between the progression of LSIL to HSIL by HIV status. However, among HIV-infected patients, those who started ART before first LSIL had a significantly lower risk for progression (HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.54-0.81). CD4 count did not have an impact on the risk for progression. We also found lower persistence of SIL in the HIV uninfected group (HR 0.69, 95% CI 0.57-0.85) and that cART was independently associated with decreased persistence of LSIL. On the other hand, a higher CD4 count at the time of first LSIL was not associated with lower persistence of the lesion. HIV infected women with HSIL experienced much higher excision treatment failure than uninfected women (53.8% vs. 26.9%, p<0.001). Factors that improved outcome were higher CD4 count and complete excision. cART reduced the risk of detection of any HPV type by 47% (OR 0.53, 95% 0.49-0.58, p<001). When adjusted for covariates, time of exposure to cART and CD4 had a stronger effect. Every month of cART exposure reduced the risk detection of any HPV type with 7%. The effect was also significant on HPV16 alone (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.90-0.95). All non-oncogenic subtypes were influenced similarly or more strongly than HPV16, as well as oncogenic HPV52. Only one oncogenic subtype HPV subtype, HPV39, was influenced marginally less (ratio of OR 0.95, CI 0.90-0.99, p=0.04). There was an increased risk for any HPV detection at CD4 count<200 (OR 1.63, 95% CI:1.50-1.77), but when adjusted, the time of cART exposure again remained the strongest predictor of risk (OR 0.94, 95% CI:0.93-0.95). Conclusion cART impact the outcome of cervical HPV infection by increasing clearance, decreasing progression of LSIL and recurrence after excision treatment. This effect is time dependent and also associated with CD4 count. Specifically, HPV16 detection risk is also reduced by cART, and all HPV types are influenced at least as much as HPV16, except possibly HPV39. It seems that increased cervical HIVproviral load is associated with HPV detection risk, and both are lowered by cART time. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Titel Die Effek van Kombinasie Antiretrovirale Terapie op Menslike Papilloomvirusinfeksie en Servikale Sitologiese Abnormaliteite in Menslike Immuniteitsgebrekvirus-geïnfekteerde Vroue Agtergrond Menslike Papilloomvirusinfeksie (MPV) veroorsaak servikale kanker. Die prevalensie van MPVverwante displastiese letsels is betekenisvol hoër in pasiënte wie ook met Menslike Immuniteitsgebrekvirus (MIV) geïnfekteer is en dit word gereken dat dit te wyte is aan meer persisterende MPV infeksie. Daar is egter teenstrydige bewyse oor of die behandeling van MIV infeksie met antiretrovirale (ART) middels die infeksie met MPV en die gedrag van Plaveisel Intraepiletiële letsels (PIL) kan beïnvloed. Doelwitte Om die effek van die inisiasie van kombinasie ART op: 1) die persistering van Laegraadse PIL (LPIL); 2) die progressie van servikale LPIL na hoëgraadse PIL (HPIL) 3) die sukses van eksisiebehandeling van HPIL; 4) MPV genotypies waarneembaar, in MIV-geïnfekteerde vroue by die Infeksiesiektekliniek en die Kolposkopiekliniek,Tygerberghospitaal, Kaapstad, Suid-Afrika, te ondersoek. Studie-ontwerp en Metodes `n Retrospektiewe kohort-analise op 1720 vroue met LPIL van die oorlewing van progressive-vrye tyd en tyd tot opklaring van PIL is gedoen. Tyd tot progressie of opklaring is vergelyk na aanleiding van die pasiënt se MIV status, behandeling met antiretrovirale terapie en CD4-telling. In nog `n retrospektiewe kohort-analise is die effektiwiteit van eksisiebehandeling in 1848 vroue wie LLETZ or Kouemeskonus eksisie ondergaan het, ondersoek. Logistiese regressie en oorlewingsanalise is toegepas om die voorkoms van onsuksesvolle uitkoms en tyd sonder herhaling van letsels tussen groepe te vergelyk na aanleiding van MIV status, ART en CD4-telling. Om die effek van antiretroviral therapie op servikale MPV infeksie te ondersoek, is 300 MIVgeïnfekteerde vroue opgeneem in `n prospektiewe studie en sesmaandeliks opgevolg. Sitologiese en MPV servikale smere is met elke besoek geneem. Biopsies van verdagte letsels en eksisiebehandeling is by die Kolposkopiekliniek gedoen volgens die standaardpraktyk. Die Roche Linear Array HPV Genotyping toets is gebruik vir MPV deteksie. Algemeen-beraamde vergelyking (GEE) meerveranderlike analise is toegepas om die effek van die anti-MIV terapie op die teenwoordigheid van MPV op die serviks te ondersoek. Die aangepaste effek is ook getoets deur die CD4-telling, die seksuele aktiwiteits- en eksisiebehandelingstatus by elke besoek in ag te neem. Die effek op elke MPV genotipe is laastens dan ook vergelyk met die effek op ‘n spesifieke basislyn genotype; in hierdie geval was MPV16 gekies. Resultate Daar was geen statisties beduidende verskil tussen die progressie van LPIL na HPIL na aanleding van HIV status nie, maar pasiënte wie met ART begin het voordat hulle vir die eerste keer met LPIL gediagnoseer was, het ‘n laer risiko gehad vir progressie (HR 0.66, 95% VI 0.54-0.81). Daar is ook gevind dat dit onafhanklik van die CD4 telling was. Die persistering van PIL was laer in die MIV negatiewe groep (HR 0.69, 95% VI 0.57-0.85), maar ook hier was antiretrovirale behandeling geassosieer met verminderde persistering. Weer eens was daar nie ‘n verband met die CD4 telling nie. MIV-geinfekteerde vroue met HPILwas baie meer geneig tot gefaalde eksisiebehandeling (53.8% teenoor 26.9%, p<0.001). Verbeterde uitkoms was geassosieer met ‘n hoër CD4-telling en ‘n eksisie wat as volledig beskryf was. ART wat reeds voor die eksisiebehandeling begin was, het nie die risiko vir onsuskesvolle uitkoms statisties beduidend verminder nie, maar het egter die risiko vir herhaling van letsels na die eksisie sterk verlaag. ART het die kans dat enige MPV tipe waargeneem sou word, met 47% verlaag (OR 0.53, 95% VI 0.49-0.58, p<001). Wanneer aangepas vir ander faktore, was die tyd wat verloop het sedert ART begin was, sowel as vir die CD4 telling, sterker. Vir elke maand sedert ART begin was, het die kans dat enige MPV tipe waargeneem word, met 7% verminder. `n Soortgelyke effek is op HPV16 alleen gevind (OR 0.93, 95%, VI 0.90-0.95). Die effek was net so sterk of sterker op alle subtipes. Slegs een onkogeniese subtipe, MPV39, was gering minder beïnvloed (ratio van OR 0.95, VI 0.90-0.99, p=0.04). Die kans vir waarneming van enige MPV subtype is hoër wanneer die CD4 telling laer as 200 selle/ɥl is (OR 1.63, 95% VI: 1.50-1.77), maar wanneer aangepas, was die tyd van ART weer eens die sterkste voorspeller van MPV infeksie (OR 0.94, 95% VI:0.93-0.95). Gevolgtrekkings ART verbeter die uitkoms van servikale infeksie met MPV deur progressie en persistering van LPIL en herhaling van PIL na eksisie te verminder. Die effek is tydsafhanklik en word ook deur die CD4 telling beïnvloed. Die kanse dat MPV16 spesifiek waargeneem word, word ook deur ART verminder, en all MPV tipes ondervind dieselfde of groter verlaging van waarnemingsrisiko as MPV16, behalwe miskien MPV39. Ons kon aandui dat verhoogde teenwoordigheid van servikale MIV verband hou met die risiko vir die waarneming van MPV infeksie, en beide word verminer deur die tyd waarmee die pasiënt met ARV terapie behandel is.

This research study is a qualitative appraisal of the HIV and AIDS Prevention and Control Strategy of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC). It critically analyses the strategy in order to ascertain its gender consciousness or gender sensitivity in the context of HIV and AIDS in Ethiopia. The basic motivation for this study is based on the idea that many if not most of the responses aimed at dealing effectively with the HIV and AIDS pandemic in Ethiopia have so far not addressed the underlying problems related to gender which are fuelling the spread of the HI virus. The study is guided by an overarching feminist ecclesiology, the gendered conceptual intervention to HIV and AIDS proposed by Geeta Rao Gupta, and Orthodox and feminist Trinitarian theology as a theoretical framework within feminist theology. These approaches were chosen because of their common focus on the unity and equality of humanity regardless of gender, social and religious differences. One of the major highlights of this study is that it has succeeded in bringing forth links between gender issues and HIV and AIDS; poverty and HIV and AIDS, and economic, social and cultural factors that fuel the spread of the HI virus; as well the historical, philosophical and cultural influences that perpetuate the oppression of women. Another important highlight of this study is the identification of theologies within EOTC that can help diffuse the tension created by the above mentioned negative influences. These theologies include the Trinitarian theology for example, and are life affirming for women because they transform and empower women to ensure their full humanity and equality, giving them the means to avoid being infected by the HI virus, and/or allowing those who are already infected and affected to live with dignity. / Thesis (M.Th.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2011.

Recent studies reflect increasing levels of HIV infection amongst married women in sub-Saharan Africa. The institution of marriage, which is highly revered within the church and society, is thus now regarded as a 'potential death trap' for many married women. This study examines the drivers of these increasing levels of HIV infection amongst married women in sub-Saharan Africa. It offers a critical reflection of the socio-cultural factors and gender-insensitive theological traditions that expose married women to the vulnerability of HIV infection. In order to observe the sacrosanctity of the marriage institution as well as preserving the dignity of life for many married women in sub-Saharan Africa, the study presents the imago Dei theological motif as a gender-sensitive theological response to the increasing levels of HIV infection among married women. The imago Dei theological motif argues that both men and women equally reflect the divine image of God. This theological motif also brings to the fore the realization that HIV and AIDS is fuelled by conditions of inequality, socio-economic and socio-cultural discrimination, hence the need to promote human dignity for both men and women within our communities in sub-Saharan Africa. Furthermore, emanating from the imago Dei theological motif, the study offers a bold community praxis through the transformation of gender-insensitive theological traditions; the transformation of hegemonic masculinities; and the transformation of gender-insensitive HIV prevention models as practical ways aimed at redressing the vulnerability of married women to the increasing levels of HIV infection. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2012.