Caroline's South African Adventures

Snapshots of my life and experiences in KwaZulu Natal. Welcome to South Africa!

Monday, June 26, 2006

Atrocities against children


Whilst in the USA recently to promote her book, Heather Reynolds went on Oprah to discuss one of the horrible problems that's getting worse at the moment and needs to stop.

'People are dying of AIDS in South Africa more than any other country. The country is now in the midst of a horrifying epidemic—baby rape. Barely a day goes by that a child under the age of one is sexually assaulted. Experts say the attacks are fueled by a bizarre belief among many African men suffering from HIV/AIDS. They say that witch doctors spread the idea that if you have sex with a virgin, you can cure yourself from AIDS. Heather Reynolds runs God's Golden Acre, an orphanage that cares for many young victims of rape. She says that not much is being done to stop the rumor.
"It's really dreadful," Heather says. "If the leaders and our traditional healers would stand up and say this is a myth, men would know. But nobody has stood up and said that, we can't understand it." '

2 Comments:

  • At Friday, 30 June, 2006, Blogger Martin said…

    I hope that as people get into schools in africa, that the education will overcome this myth. Still, this will take far too long for far too many, and I hope that something will help get the message out to the adults before then.

     
  • At Friday, 30 June, 2006, Blogger Caroline said…

    it's a matter for a lot of prayer as well as action, Martin. Prayer against the lies that are being spread and believed, for the truth to shine through. And action in rejecting these lies and in educating people properly. But it's a long battle, as you say, but one that will be won.

     

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