Epidemiology and the Prevalence of AIDs in Africa - Research Paper Example

The PEN-3 model has been developed as the framework for health promotion interventions based on the culture of target groups, towards effective prevention, care and support for HIV/ AIDs in Africa (Airhihenbuwa & Webster, 2010). The three domains incorporated by the PEN 3 Model include relationships and expectations, cultural empowerment, and cultural identity. The first two domains are used for assessment and appraisal, while community identity is the application/ transformation domain which helps identify the point of entry of the intervention (Airhihenbuwa & Webster, 2010).

Cultural, social and economic constraints on most African women’s ability to comply with advice to limit partners and use condoms” (Peltzer, 2001, p.171). Poverty and subordination of women are the root causes of women acquiring HIV/ AIDS. Males play the dominant role in sexual relations; hence health promotion campaigns to eliminate HIV/ AIDs should focus on addressing culturally related sexual beliefs and behaviours leading to the disease. In the prevailing traditional family groups, the empowerment of women is crucial to strengthen their position in decision making on life choices.

It is important to leverage culture to empower the target group. Interventions should strengthen the currently isolated traditional family systems by informally connecting them to the larger national community. Using a range of strategies based on dialogue, the change should be promoted at the interpersonal, organizational and policy levels of the community (Airhihenbuwa & Webster, 2010). This should be done through schooling and further education, through vocational training towards economic independence, and educating women on their legal rights and privileges.