UN rep links polygamy to increase in AIDS cases

By Naomi Wenambo
POLYGAMY is a contributing factor to the increase of HIV/AIDS in the country, a United Nations official says.
UNAIDS consultant Dr ShinsukaMiyano told The National that having more than one wife “opens the door for AIDS if they are not careful”.
“From what I understand, most men who have polygamous relationships don’t like using condoms with their multiple partners,” he said.
“The fight against HIV/AIDS is now a family issue. It is important that families must come together to help themselves.
“If a partner is being unfaithful, it is then transmitted to the other partners by the husband.
“If a man has three wives and one wife decides to have an affair with someone who is infected, she gets the virus, transmits it to the husband who then passes it on to the other wives.
“The children are affected the most.”
According to statistics provided by National AIDS Council Secretariat director Dr Nick Dala, the number of people living with HIV/AIDS in the country is 46,000.
“To be on the safe side, it is important that the parties involve must practise safe sex, or better yet, stay faithful to a single partner,” Dala said.
“It is very important to get tested and know your HIV/AIDS status. If positive, the infected can be put on ART, which will help them live a normal lives and this includes pregnant mother and babies.”