Factors contributing to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa ethical and the theological issues

Abstract

This research sought to explore the ethical and theological dimensions of the factors that have contributed to the spread of HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa. The study analyzes ethically and critically the factors which have led to the propagation of HIV/AIDS, in order to discern the moral dimension of the problem. The identification of the ethical aspects of the HIV/AIDS problem will make such problem the moral concern of all moral individuals and institutions rather than being confined to the medical sphere. In this endeavor, a review of various factors that have contributed to the spread of HIV/AIDS has been undertaken, particularly cultural and traditional practices and beliefs, religious beliefs, ignorance of the nature of HIV/AIDS, poverty, unjust governmental and other institutional policies and unequal distribution of wealth, insufficient commitment of governments to the problem, lack of political will, and the high cost of HIV/AIDS drugs in Sub-Saharan region. Through an ethical and critical analysis of these factors, this research reveals that HIV/AIDS is not only a health problem, but it is also an ethical issue which therefore needs to be addressed ethically. Specifically, this study found that: 1. HIV/AIDS is widespread in Sub-Saharan Africa despite the efforts made by governments and international organizations to control the situation due to certain factors, namely: cultural and traditional beliefs and practices, ignorance about the nature of HIV/AIDS, poverty, unjust governmental and other institutional policies, insufficient commitment of governments and institutions to the problem, lack of political will, and the high cost of HIV/AIDS drugs, are apparent factors that have led to the spread of HIV/AIDS. 2. HIV/AIDS involves also a theological and ethical dimension which serves as the root motives of behaviors which have led to the incapability of containing the spread of the disease.This aspect manifests as lack of responsibility towards God's command to value human life and preserve its dignity. This study therefore concludes that the ethical dimension of the factors which have contributed to the spread of HIV/AIDS need to be addressed in order to reduce the incidence and spread of HIV/AIDS. This research envisions that such effort would be a collective concern of individuals, governments, international communities and agencies, religious institutions or churches. 3. Focusing on the responsibility of the churches in Sub-Saharan Africa and on their mission in the midst of HIV/AIDS crisis, this research gives some suggestions to underscore the operational areas to be explored in the churches' ethical response towards the containment of the disease. These include the responsibility of the churches towards individuals, governments and international institutions in raising their consciousness for the implementation of some reforms in all areas of society in order to enhance human life in the midst of HIV/AIDS. Specifically, it is suggested that: 1. Given that the churches' mission is to work for human dignity, the churches should be aware of cultural behaviors which expose individuals to the HIV infection and initiate educational information programs about the disease and urge everyone to assist in bringing about reforms in this area. 2. The churches should use their prophetic mandate to call the attention of individuals, governments international communities as well as NGOs and fund agencies, including Pharmaceutical multi-national corporations, to the need for reforms in behaviors and policies which accelerate poverty, of more structural justice and equality, and work for the provision of HIV/AIDS drugs to save life. 3 . Churches should also include specifically the HIV/AIDS patients and victims of HIV/AIDS in their counseling and spiritual ministries, and provide material support to them.