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 It was because of such reckless sexual encounters that I can't say when I was infected, or who infected me. The only time I realised that I might be in danger was when I read a book about HIV 

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THIS is another book that zeros in on the ravages of HIV-Aids, a disease that has wrought so much devastation in southern Africa in particular.

Indeed, in this age of global media, few are unaware of the HIV-Aids crisis facing South Africa. South African Constitutional Court Judge Edwin Cameron has written the Foreword to Through the Voices of Men by Christopher Brooks, while the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has contributed an afterword.

Alas, in many ways the country has become "ground zero" for the virus on the African continent.

Public attention has focused on women and children impacted by the virus, since they represent the population most affected.

Recently, however, national campaigns and organisations in South Africa such as "Brothers for Life" have given attention to men's involvement in the crisis.

Unlike other books in the region, Through the Voices of Men: South African Men Speak about HIV seeks to deepen the national discussion by presenting the personal narratives of men whose lives have been affected by the virus. This book presents the unscripted stories of 20 men from different ethnic groups in the country.

The author, Brooks, has charted the life-changing effects of the virus on Zulu, Tswana, Xhosa, Afrikaner, Pedi, Venda, Tsonga, Shangaan, and coloured men. Additionally, the life-stories of several Muslim and Asian men are profiled It is clear from this work that each group within these cultural groups harbours a tradition of self-denial, shame, and stigma. This is understandable, but the horrifying ramifications of HIV-Aids are such that it merits being confronted head-on, as this book does.

Martin Vosloo, one of the contributors, shares some illuminating reminiscences with the readers. As regards HIV, he writes: "Back in 1990, we still didn't know much. The only thing that I knew about HIV was that it was something that killed you. [Even his doctor said when informing him of his status]: 'Martin, your life is over'. That was the doctor saying this!" But in his case, Vosloo ignored the virus in his body for seven years before taking ARVs.

As this work shows, many of the men indulged in self-denial until the reality of the virus could not be ignored. For example, Harry Nyathela came to realise his numerous sexual contacts exposed him to the virus.

"It was because of such reckless sexual encounters that I can't say when I was infected, or who infected me.

"The only time I realised that I might be in danger was when I read a book about HIV.

"Some of the behaviours that made it possible to contract the virus included unprotected sex with multiple partners.

It then clicked in my head that I might have a problem." It took a near-death experience before Nyathela entered care.

Brooks has included in Through the Voices of Men, questions at the end of each chapter to stimulate discussion among support groups, men and women dialogues, speak-out sessions, collective community gatherings, and for purposes of individual reflection. This adds even more depth and breath to the book.

This is a well-researched, breathtaking work that adds cubits to the existing published material on HIV-Aids. It is up-to-date and sobering.

The author, Brooks, is an author and professor of Anthropology at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia.

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Sun May 26 05:23:29 SAST 2013 ::

Jul 25, 2011

Sunshine1

HIV prevention efforts have not always been successful and in 2009 approximately 54,000 Americans were infected with HIV, that is about one every nine-and-a-half minutes.And some young have to choose some std dating si te such as MyPositiveSingles,C0M.So It is a hard task to prevent it.

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Jul 25, 2011

parkzola

I hope the book plays a pivotal role in some bloody ignorant men out there because some men like having sex without condoms while having wives.
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Jul 25, 2011

Ann

@parkzola, its funny u say that cos this morning a lady friend of mine was telling me she is dating a married man and the guy refuses to use a condom, i mean i got scared and was disgusted at the same time that how stupid and selfish can a person be , i mean this lady freind of mine is a widow her husband passed away 3 years ago, now this guys comes and see her twice or once in two months, who knows what she does cos she is single
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Jul 25, 2011

WHOCARES

I hope this book will serve as a wake up call to some fellows. It's true a large number of men still beleive they are immune to HIV and AIDs, especially the ones not directly affected by it. They still go around boasting about how they are God's gift to women! My heart really goes out to the married women (the wives) since they are at higher risk because some of these men are married (husbands). Some have yatsis and do not even use condoms! The sad thing with us men, we do not warn each other, instead we sing praises to such men and " Uyababa, you are the real man! uyisoka uyisikhokho" etc. ....It's just too sad
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Jul 25, 2011

tlotlisoT

@parkzola
i bet you are talking about J..he is so ignorant & so very very stupid.i wonder how a person like that can be a leader
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Jul 25, 2011

MshekeshekeLower

@ Parkzola and Tlotliso T

Obvious...........
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Jul 25, 2011

Rakgadi-Tabeya

To all men out there who still think that HIV/Aids is a woman disease thing, get the book and read the facts about the pandemic. Stop this thing of spreading the disease with the concept "I won't die alone" nxa mos o ne o feba alone so why can't you die alone o batla bakhapi nxa banna mara ***shaking head***. It's about time you know the facts coz mostly ke lona le tlelang basadi this virus then le acte innocent and blame them nxa.
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Jul 25, 2011

busikie

we can blame man for hiv/aids but sometime we as ladies we dont respect ourselves,,,,how do u sleep with a married man without a condom and if we cant protect ourselves who will
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Jul 25, 2011

positiveguy

HIV is not actually a death sentence. It is a disease that can be managed and be controlled by the individual who acquired it allowing him to live a long normal and productive life like anyone else. POZmingle. com is the largest HIV dating and support site for HIV singles claim that they have 200,000 HIV members, Most of them are here to find understanding, support and love. It is really a good thing that encourage each other, Leading a healthy life.
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Jul 25, 2011

Zulugal

@positiveguy...I hear you but why are so many pple still dying of HIV/AIDS if it can be managed? What is the problem?
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