Review Article
The Ubuntu concept, sexual behaviours and stigmatisation of persons living with HIV in Africa: A review article
Journal of Public Health in Africa | Vol 9, No 2 | a913 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4081/jphia.2018.677
| © 2024 Elvis E. Tarkang, Lilian B. Pencille, Joyce Komesuor
| This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 15 November 2024 | Published: 01 October 2018
Submitted: 15 November 2024 | Published: 01 October 2018
About the author(s)
Elvis E. Tarkang, HIV/AIDS Prevention Research Network, Cameroon (HIVPREC), Cameroon; and, Department of Population and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), Ho Volta Region, GhanaLilian B. Pencille, HIV/AIDS Prevention Research Network, Cameroon (HIVPREC), Cameroon; Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, United States
Joyce Komesuor, Department of Population and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), Ho Volta Region, Ghana
Full Text:
PDF (346KB)Abstract
Stigma and discrimination and risky sexual behaviours have been major stumbling blocks to the efforts by implementers to mitigate the effects of HIV amongst communities in Africa. A key cultural resource, based on evolving South African cultural traditions, is the notion of Ubuntu, which is grounded in respect, ethics, humanity and the interconnectedness of beings. This concept can be a useful resource in upholding confidentiality, a central requirement in research ethics and the deliverance of health promotion interventions regarding HIV/AIDS. This article explored the applicability of the Ubuntu concept in enhancing safe sexual practices and positive attitudes towards persons living with HIV, with the view of achieving Zero new infections, Zero discrimination against persons living with HIV (PLHIV), and Zero AIDS-related deaths. A review of literature was undertaken. Electronic databases, academic journals and books from various sources were accessed. Several key search terms relating to the tenets of Ubuntu, stigma and discrimination towards PLHIV, and sexual behaviours were used. Only references deemed useful from relevant texts and journal articles were included. Going therefore by the Ubuntu tradition of basic respect and compassion for others, one will expect positive attitudes towards PLHIV. This review therefore advocates positive attitudes towards PLHIV. Also, according to the Ubuntu tradition that prescribes a rule of conduct and social ethics, one would expect the sexual behaviours of youths in Africa to be good. This review article also advocates safe sexual behaviours of adolescents in Africa. With this in mind, from a critical Ubuntu-centric philosophical perspective, this article breaks new ground by advocating the use of the Ubuntu concepts in enhancing safe sexual practices and positive attitudes towards PLHIV in Africa. This could in turn bring about safe sexual practices among youths, and curb the discrimination and stigmatization against PLHIV in Africa.
Keywords
Ubuntu concept; stigma and discrimination; PLHIV; sexual behaviour; Africa
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Crossref Citations
1. HIV Infection Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women in Sub-Saharan Africa: Philosophical Perspectives of Sociostructural Risk Factors
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