Available statistics indicate that a little over two percent of all Ghanaians are infected with the HIV virus, which causes AIDS. Infections are higher among women than men. It has been established also that heterosexual intercourse is the mode of transmission for majority of HIV cases, with mother-to-child transmission and blood transfusion being the other main forms of transmission. The general perception of Ghanaians is that as far as sexual transmission is concerned it is promiscuous women who are infected. But a study commissioned by the Gender Studies and Human Rights Documentation Centre (GSHRDC) has revealed that marriage is a high transmission area for HIV and a lot of women are at risk (see front page story). A number of socio-cultural factors put the married women at risk, according to the study. These include domestic violence, status disclosure, widow inheritance, lack of sexual knowledge, acceptance of male promiscuity within the confines of marriage and polygyny. Also, sex as a woman's marital obligation, infertility as a woman's problem, and choice of marital partner are risk factors. Notably, the study paints a picture of a chain-of-infections arising out of the re-marrying of widows whose deceased spouses died from HIV/AIDS without disclosing their status when they were alive. It is undisputable that stigmatization and discrimination of people living with HIV/AIDS plays a major role in the transmission of the menace. These revelations call for concerted effort from all stakeholders - government, the Ghana AIDS Commission, civil society campaigners, women's rights organizations, traditional leaders, the media and the general public. Particularly, the government and the AIDS Commission need to modernize our approach towards fighting the disease. In doing so, it is important to input the research findings into the country's strategic policy for addressing the disease. It is fundamental to intensify national efforts in dealing with stigmatization and discrimination of people living with HIV/AIDS. This will help achieve results and inject more effort into voluntary testing education. It is also imperative to pay attention to the researchers' recommendation for the passage of a law against widowhood inheritance or the customary practice of replacing a deceased wife with a sister, to safeguard the interest of women especially, but men as well. This can be a major preventive strategy. Public Agenda also concurs with the researchers on the need to take another look at the ABC (abstinence, be faithful and condom use) approach to the campaign against the disease. This is because the findings of the study indicate how unworkable the ABC approach appears to be, especially among spouses. The Guidelines for the Utilisation of the District Assemblies' Common Fund directs Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to set aside a percentage of their Common Fund allocations for HIV/AIDS awareness programmes. The contribution of MMDAs towards building the capacities of local women to protect themselves against the disease therefore becomes very crucial. On the other hand, civil society campaigners and women's rights organizations engaged in HIV/AIDS awareness programmes should access the report and input the findings into their campaigns. There is need to harness all forms of educational, advocacy and campaign strategies to ensure effective outcomes. Our duty bearers, especially the Ministry of Women and Children's Affairs should intensify efforts at reforming some of our cultures that continue to hold down our women. Abolishing outmoded customs falls right at the doorsteps of traditional leaders. They have a duty to abolish negative traditional practices like widow inheritance and other abuses against women which render them susceptible to the disease. And, let the media shift their focus from trivial politics to bread and butter issues that can equip women and other vulnerable groups with employable skills to avoid their dependence on others, particularly men, thereby exposing them to HIV/AIDS. The time to ACT is now! Source: All Africa/