| (HIV) Positive marriages | | Print | |
4.9. 2008, NigeriaSilvie BurjankováPeople living with HIV virus are still more often getting married predominantly in northern Nigeria. Local Authorities support such decisions very much and some couples even force to get married. Main aim is reducing spread of the illness in the region. International experts, studying the virus for many years, are strictly against such marriages and do not agree with the officials. They claim, that people can have different kinds of the virus, which can interact. That is the reason, why experts recommend the partners to use condom, while having a sexual intercourse. However that is against many Muslim laws or Sharia. Approximately 70 HIV positive couples got married in last few weeks. There is 3%, which is 2,4 million of people infected by this dangerous virus. Experts also say that the increase of spreading AIDS and HIV is cause by practicing polygamy. Nonetheless many marriages are usually kept in secret. People are being introduced to each other at counseling sessions and can choose from the present partners. Members of UN though warn couples before having children. There is a great risk of infecting the fetus, which would consequently lead to many double orphans, who lost both parents because of AIDS. Few workers, who were cooperating on such marriages ended up in detention. |