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Fighters condemns racist and misogynistic headline newspaper regarding HIV/AIDS and condom use
EFF condemns racist and misogynistic headline by The Star newspaper regarding HIV/AIDS and condom use
28 November 2023
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) condemns, in the strongest terms, the headline of today’s edition of The Star newspaper implying that black women do not want to use condoms. In an article that was supposed to analyse the latest Human Sciences Research Council’s (HSRC) report on HIV/AIDS in South Africa, the paper resorted to unwarranted racist drivel, using degrading stereotypes to sell newspapers.
The report by the HSRC highlights a higher prevalence of HIV infections among black women compared to men. However, the newspaper chose to misinterpret this, suggesting that black women are more inclined to refuse the use of condoms. This extrapolation lacks a foundation in scientific facts, research, or a comprehensive understanding of reading statistics.
Basic research would have revealed to The Star, that black women are also at the highest risk of sexual violence, and many women face challenges in negotiating condom use. These behavioural patterns have been studied for decades, and there has never been any evidence to suggest that high prevalence of infection equates to a deliberate neglect of condom use.
This is a display of a high level of ignorance and contributes to the ongoing perpetuation of stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS in a country that has worked tirelessly to destigmatise the disease. It is essential to continue efforts to educate people about the disease, reduce stigma, and encourage individuals to undergo testing, and seek medication if they test positive.
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