Résumé
An analysis of the dilemmas involved with public health care interventions in Burkina Faso aimed at containing the spread of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) through restricting the practice of levirate -- the marriage of a widow by the deceased's brother, or close relative. While a small fraction of new AIDS cases would be prevented by disallowing the levirate in cases where the deceased was an AIDS victim, the negative sociocultural consequences of banning the levirate are extensive. Women would be stigmatized for spreading disease; widows of AIDS victims would be justifiably rejected; & widows would no longer be supported by family. As an effective system for social protection of women, the practice of levirate should not be altered. Family heads are responsible for accepting & caring for widows. Public health policy must follow strict ethical guidelines & must not be alarmist. 19 References. Adapted from the source document.