Men and Traditions Against Aids is a small scale project in West Kenia, which aims at change of behaviour concerning Aids. Men play a crucial part in this. The chiefs and village elders are highly respected and function as keepers of the traditions; with their help MTAA approaches sexually active men and women who run the risk of getting infected. Change of behaviour can reduce that risk.

Discussing traditions
Traditions form a fundamental part of Kenyan society and change of behaviour is a laborious but necessary process. In the framework of the prevention of AIDS questioning these traditions is essential. MTAA sees to it that, with the help of village elders, perilous traditions replace new and safe habits. An example of such a tradition is the ‘inheriting’ of widows.

Inventing new rituals
When a man dies his wife is ‘taken over’ by his brother, who then makes her part of his family. Then – as a purification ritual – he has sexual intercourse with her. The consequences are predictable: the deceased has infected his wife; she infects the bother who then infects his spouse, resulting in a negative spiral development. Only structural change in thinking and acting can break this spiral. This is exactly the aim of MTAA. As part of a new purification ritual the widow may invite an older man to dine with her and leave his walking stick and coat with her for one night.

Role of village elders
Men play a crucial role in the change of traditions and in the attitude towards AIDS. With  consent of the village elders married couples and widows undergo intensive training, thus learning to accept their HIV-positive status and how to cope with it.

Focusing on adolescents
Since 2016 MTAA has been focusing on HIV-positieve adolescents. When these children discover why they have been taking medication their entire lives, they are overcome with shame and anger. Stopping their medication, leaving school and even suicide attempts can be the results. Sometimes both parents have die of Aids. These vulnerable younsters require a tactful approach and  long-term support. 

Fundraising
MTAA Nederland was founded to support this approach with advice but above all financially. Gifts to MTAA Nederland are deductible from income tax because it is regarded as an organisation for the benefit of the general. Monthly gifts of course are highly appreciated.