'In Search of Durable Strategies to HIV Prevention' : Categorical Representation and Analysis of Risk Behavioural Factors Associated with HIV/AIDS in Sub- Saharan Africa

HIV/AIDS represents a major bulwark to Africa's progress. Since its discovery some 25 years ago, the disease has emerged as the most troubling public health hazard in recent memory. Recent literature on HIV/AIDS suggests that a complex mix of economic, social, cultural and political factors is driving-up the prevalence of the epidemic in Africa in particular, and the world at large. Although considerable efforts have been put in place to reduce its spread, crucial risk behavioural factors associated with HIV/AIDS have not been sufficiently explored. This work therefore attempts to identify, categorize, analyse and present a holistic picture of the different risk behaviours associated with HIV/AIDS. This research has proposed a new bottom-up driven preventative strategy for fighting HIV/AIDS, which blends current informative and educative campaigns on HIV/AIDS; empowering young people towards alternative ways of livelihood, while at the same time, caring for the affected in ways that prioritizes dignity, respect and individual empowerment. It is hoped that this work would strengthen and re-orient current efforts underway to prevent HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa- and the world.