Two Ways Africans can Reduce the Spread of HIV/AIDS in Their Communities

By Sicebise Msengana

“ Africa and Africans has succeeded in destroying our culture and traditional by accepting the effect of colonialism on the strong foundation that once held our fathers together...I believe that there is a supreme being and that as long as you believe in him no matter your religious difference or mode of worship things will work out for you, I PRAY GOD HELP AFRICA IN BELIEVING IN THEMSELVES ONE DAY." --Leopard Akande

I think it would be best to preserve some traditional African systems such as African-centred marriage, between an African man and African woman and abstinence. Africans see marriage as a sacred institution to procreate and build a strong family.
Marriage and virginity in 21th can be used to protect both blackmen and blackwomen from the risk of having HIV/ AIDS and unwanted pregnancies. When I’m  asked for advice: Culture is not practiced in a vacuum. We should preserve what is right  and remove what does not work for us.

1)
Abstinence –African women had only to lose their virginity in marriage. It gave women power over their bodies and thus, respect and dignity. If a man got a young woman pregnant. The man's family had to pay damages for the child born out of wedlock and was required to marry her. So you mess with somebody else's daughter, you PAY. It also gave blackmen a chance to add value to African women because they are mothers of civilisation and therefore, African women are held in high esteem  in African society. Abstinence usually encourages serious commitment to marriage and child-bearing. No more single mothers and deadbeat fathers and abortions as well. Also the risk of contracting STD’s is reduced. Sex has always and is between two married adults—a decision made by consensus.  MAJOR PROBLEM solved.

2)
 Marriage – Many people want benefits of marriage without committing to it.  Traditional African marriage is between a man and a woman. Sex practiced in marriage no longer becomes a temporary pleasure (I know it's hard for the brothers, cause I'm a brother, too), but encourages long-term thinking and commitment to a strong independent blackwoman who wants to build a future with you. Gold diggers are eliminated. Because they empty your pockets and want booze, cars, designer clothes etc. Only to leave you for another richer guy. Also for the African woman it protects them from sexual vampires who stick around only to get in the pants. An ideal blackman isn't the one in the movies or the image that Hollywood projects to you. But a hard working man who discusses a serious future; long-term goals family-orientated such as starting a family and running a business. "Anybody can make a baby, but a father helps to raise his children. There is another word for fatherhood. It's called responsibility"—Malcolm X

Another major feature of African-centred marriages , is children . Children are seen as a blessing even those who are born out of wedlock. The desire for progeny  has always been the main motive inspiring the African to marry. But as a requirement, these unions not only involved both individuals , but also both families . This is why married African couples are also married to the respective families. If a marital problem arose, families would mitigate and intervene in an effort to save the marriage. ANOTHER PROBLEM solved.