Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Mombasa (Agenzia Fides) - Among the traditional practices that contribute to the spread of HIV in Kenya is the 'meko tatu ", i.e. when a woman has three relationships simultaneously. Common among Miji Kenda tribes that populate much of the coastal area, the meko tatu contributes to increasing rates of infection in the Coast Province. Translated from Kiswahili, meko tatu means "three stones," which are those used to balance a pot in the traditional cuisine.
Our story has come from Zena Thuva, a resident of the village of Mnarani and health professional in the community. "The custom here is that a woman cannot have only one man. To survive, she needs two more. One to buy clothes, shoes, etc.., another to finance her other needs. All this in exchange for sex. "This is very common in the district of Kilifi, where there are about half a million people and one in seven are positive. Meko tatu affects both married and unmarried women and, as it forms part of the culture, it is no secret.
This and other stories on HIV/AIDS have been disseminated through various journalism seminars sponsored by the Catholic diocese. Catholic media sources, in fact, continue to encourage journalists to seek out stories in the coastal region of Kenya that not only contribute to making known these retrograde practices and customs, but also to bring awareness and behavioral changes. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 1/12/2009)
