Men encouraged to tackle AIDS head on

A US-backed programme is attempting to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS in Soweto, South Africa's largest township, with workshops aimed at altering men's views on relationships, sex and domestic violence.

Established by the international NGO, EngenderHealth, the Men as Partners (MAP) workshops are facilitated by young black men who are usually motivated by their own exposure and convinced of the need for change.

Although there is currently no accurate way to measure how many HIV infections MAP has prevented, a UN Population Council study, now in its early stages, is set to evaluate changes in attitudes and behaviours in men enrolled the programme.

The Christian Science Monitor quoted Soweto MAP workshop coordinator, Lillo Phalandwa, as saying: "Five of my family members are HIV-positive, and my father was abusive to my mum. Before I went to the workshop, I thought it was normal because when I was three my father started abusing my mum. I was verbally abusive toward women. Now I treat them as equals."