AEGiS-BBC: Is tradition to blame for spreading HIV? BBC News OnlineImportant note: Information in this article was accurate in 2003. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
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Is tradition to blame for spreading HIV?

BBC News - Tuesday, 18 November, 2003


A group of widows in western Kenya have formed a club to fight against wife inheritance, blaming the age-old tradition for spreading the HIV virus.

According to the custom - widely practised by the Luo community - a widow remarries a brother-in-law or a suitor chosen by village elders.

Most members of the Obwanda Distress Relief Club are HIV positive and they blame their status on the practice.

Aids campaigners have also condemned other traditions such as circumcision for spreading the disease.
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