THE IMPACT OF GENDER INEQUALITY ON THE INCIDENCE OF HIV/AIDS IN KADUNA STATE (1999-2015)

THE IMPACT OF GENDER INEQUALITY ON THE INCIDENCE OF HIV/AIDS IN KADUNA STATE (1999-2015)

Abstract:

This study examines the impact of gender inequality on incidence of HIV/AIDs infection on women within Kaduna state. HIV/AIDs has become a growing public health concern in the last three decades and has witnessed global commitments with much efforts to reduce the spread and eradicate the disease. Despite, various national, international and non-government interventions to resolve the stigma and spread of the disease, the HIV/AIDS disease escalating among those not earlier identified at obvious risk. Particularly, cohabited partners have high population among the newly affected group. The Objective of this study is to examine reasons for the high incidences of the spread of the disease on women and what impact gender inequality has on the incidence of the disease among women, as the disease continue to spread and become increasingly feminized. The Gender and power theory was used to explain and support why the problem persists and its likely consequences on women. The study used quantitative research which is descriptive techniques and qualitative analysis to give a representative reality in terms of numerical value used from the source for data collected, using both primary and secondary sources of information. The primary data were analysed using a combination of inferential and descriptive statistical techniques. Findings of this study identified gender inequality as a cause of high incidence of the epidemic among women within Kaduna State. Unequal gender relation accounts for reasons why majority 77-7% among those living with HIV/AIDs are women and 23% are men in the study areas in Kaduna State. The study supports the argument that gender inequality can be a major constraint to the effectiveness of anti HIV/AIDs policy measures. The existing inequality in gender is a hindrance to policies targeted at reducing the high prevalence of HIV/AIDs among newly effected population within Kaduna state. The study recommends that chances for policy success in reducing HIV/AIDs among individuals and groups can be effective by putting into considerations all kinds of problems peculiar to individuals or any groups of individuals in the society. Lastly, more attention should be given to preventives than curative measures.

THE IMPACT OF GENDER INEQUALITY ON THE INCIDENCE OF HIV/AIDS IN KADUNA STATE (1999-2015)

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