Reduce malaria, worms and bilharzia, make border posts more efficient – and HIV rates will drop, argues a US expert. Malnutrition, malaria and bilharzia – coupled with weak governments – are some of the key factors driving the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa, according to US academic Professor Eileen Stillwaggon. Taking a swipe at those who try to blame sexual behaviour for the rampant HIV epidemic in southern Africa, she says that they are caught up in “exotic notions” about Africans.