AFRICA: BURUNDI: WOMEN LIVE RISK OF HIV

Agenzia Fides REPORT - The women of the suburb of Sabe, Bujumbura, are living in desperate conditions and at risk of HIV in this area of the country where over 480 displaced families (IDPs) have been living for several years and prefer prostitution to get money to buy something to eat rather than starve. A statement released by Inter Press Service (IPS) is launching a serious warning to fight this phenomenon. For many girls, the fear of HIV is overcome from the immediate need for money to survive. According to some witnesses, women do not talk about AIDS, they prefer to have food and die in a future day rather than die of hunger today. According to the coordinator of the Organization of Women Against AIDS in Burundi, one of the country's most important NGOs dealing with HIV / AIDS, there are not sufficient funds in order to work seriously against this social pathology. The NGO was long engaged in the areas of IDPs in and around Bujumbura in May 2010 but was forced to call off operations due to lack of resources and logistical reasons. The few organizations involved are hampered by the precarious means of subsistence. In Burundi there is 3.3% of HIV among adults and approximately 100 000 IDPs.

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