Afrocentric vis-a-vis Eurocentric Approaches to the fight against HIV and AIDS in Afr

[Chigumbu]

I believe that each sub-region has its own epidemic. Is it possible that the failure of programmes in sub-saharan Africa could be linked to our adoption of largely Eurocentric approaches. If the epidemic has an African face why not use Afgrican solution to deal with it. We have in practicte totally ignored community perceptions about HIV and AIDS in Africa and they are now a major barrier. Let me give you an example of an African barrier: recently in a focus group discussion after taalking about use of condoms a young lady said to me,'In my culture I have been brought up to believe that I should never look at the penis let alone touch it, how could I then see whether a man has a condom on or put it myself? Our cultures determine our behaviour and yet we have ignored in practice osme of these little issues. What do you think?

[Giray]

In my books, you cannot impose a solution from above or abroad. I had a great experience while living in Northern Canada with the inuit. I saw how they would use tools in ways that the white man down south would never dream of using. But note that the tool was created in the industrialised South. Of course, they had their own tools too.

So I guess my own answer is a convoluted one, philosophically speaking. On the one hand I think that we do need as many solutions as possible. So if they come from Russia, Gabon and Mexico... that's great. But then it is, indeed, up to a local entity/person to adopt or adapt it as she or he sees fit. In your condom example (which I thought was excellent) there is nothing wrong with the condom solution. What is wrong, perhaps, is the lack of alternative.

So, the short answer of my long winded speech is: we need both broad solutions that are benefit from multiple resources but also the flexibility in our implementation to make room for locally developed or adapted solutions.

My longer answer would be. If the Europeans or the Americans, or anyone, wants to keep looking for solutions, and even proposing them. That's fine and it does not, as far as I can see, stop local initiatives. A great example of this is Lula's efforts in Brazil. When I was in Namibia last year, he was there and it was a great feeling to know that the South was helping the South.

Over to you...

[Giray]

Oh, and by the way: WELCOME TO THE COMMUNITY :D

[Chigumbu]

Thanks Giray. I totally agree with you. The problem is we do not in our communities adapt Eurocentric ideas to our own we simply apply them in toto. I want to give you another example.The uptake of PMTCT is Africa is very low and seems not to be increasing. I believe it is because men were not involved right from the onset. Whereas in Europe women make decisions on their sexuality in Africa it is different so when PMTCT comes and is applied the European way it meets such hindrances. The same applies to stoppage of breast feeding if one is HIV Positive. It has caused quite a stir in some of our communities because it goes against the very cultural norms. In fact a lactacting mother can only stop breastfeeding if she has started sex again. Assuming the husband is avoiding sex with her and hse however is not breastfeeding she will have to explain why she is not and whom she is sleeping with.
The same applies to the use of condoms by women. Since they are not usually suppossed to make theior decisons on sexuality they cannot therefore use a condom without 'consent' from the partner.
i KNOW THEY ARE SUPPOSSED TO BE EMPOWERED,, I KNOW THEY ARE SUPPOSSED TO MAKE THEIR OWN DECISIONS, I also know that make culturally things are wrong but that is not the point. The point is that on the ground these beliefs and practices are hindrances and in our quest to fight the epidemic we overlook these hindrances with dire consequences.
May be I should be saying before introducing approaches we should look at hindering and enabling factors and utilise that information for our fight. In theory we say so but in practice we do not. Lets face it most programmes are donor driven and donnors have their own beliefs and agendas and have no time for our ideas. Thanks for welcoming me Giral and keep up the good work I hope this coversation will eduacte all of us.

[Giray]

When you say all the programmes are donor driven, some might disagree. I would say this: the large programmes are. Only small programmes are initiated in country. My World AIDS Campaign colleagues will surely want to comment on this point, as it is one of their main goals, to empower in country campaigns.

The problem is, I believe, systemic. To initiate programmes and to implement them requires resources which many grassroots organisations still do not have. So the long term solution is to do what the World AIDS Campaign seeks to do and that is ensure there are credible in-country campaigns and initiatives. Time will tell how successful we are but, I agree with you, it's indispensable.

[Giray]

== moved thread to more relevant forum ==