AEGiS-15IAC: The children of Pensaeu.

15th International AIDS Conference

Bangkok, Thailand - July 11-16, 2004

The children of Pensaeu.

Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. D10191)

Runganga A
Human Behaviour Research Centre, Harare, Zimbabwe

BACKGROUND: The study describes lives of men and women who in adolescence, lived in the red-light area of Harare, to escape sexual and physical abuse and emotional deprivations. For some, the bright lights offered options to poverty and negatively viewed family life. Socialised into the 'Pensaeu culture', that is characterised by deconstruction of sexuality and official moral conduct, men and women risk contracting HIV. In describing lives of the men and women, the study explores genders and the sexual sub-culture within the economic existence of these men and women. Findings: A variety of sexual relations occur with 'sex' being central to women as a survival strategy and to maintain a comfortable life style that places little emphasis on AIDS prevention. In response to dwindling earnings attributed to many factors that include reduction in tourism and emigration of potential male partners, men are increasingly engaging in legislatively prohibited activities. Sex-workers, wives and children economically benefits from such earnings. Although knowledge about AIDS is high, the prevailing sexual culture underplays the importance of safe sex. Stigma attached to being potentially HIV positive tends to hinder open discussions about AIDS. Recommendation: Non-judgemental prevention and care programs for sexual centres like Pensaeu would go a long way to curb the spread of HIV.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Sexual Behavior, HIV Seropositivity, Culture, Sexuality, Behavior, Health Planning Guidelines, Poverty, Gender Identity, Child, Humans, Female, Male, economics

040711
D10191