An Ecosystem Approach to HIV-1/AIDS: Local Knowledge on Contracting and Transmitting the Disease Amongst the Turkana of Lodwar Township (Kenya)

Abstract

A broad theoretical framework centred on an ecosystem approach is used to investigate the local knowledge around contraction and transmission of HIV-1/AIDS amongst the Turkana of Lodwar township. According to the Turkana, there are several naturalistic factors that influence the contraction and transmission of HIV-1/AIDS. Broad categories can be identified: factors that encourage unprotected sex, those that encourage mobility and migration (associated with the pursuit of casual sexual partnerships), factors of social organization that encourage risky sex, factors related to deficient healthcare, and socioeconomic factors.