A new United Nations report, published by the UN Joint Program on HIV/AIDS, predicts that approximately half of all 15 year olds in AIDS-affected African countries will die of the disease. Women in Africa struggle with cultural taboos that discourage use of contraceptives. According to the report, the HIV infection rates of young women in Africa are three times higher than in men. The disturbing statistics attest to the necessity of increased international aid, educational and prevention programs on the disease. In Botswana, where misinformation on AIDS is widespread due to cultural traditions, the absence of such resources contributes to the exploding rates of infection. However, in countries such as Senegal and Uganda, educational programs and contraceptive access have slowed the AIDS epidemic.
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