AIDS, is relatively a new disease, was first recognized in 1981. This paper reviews how cultural beliefs and customs amongst different societies and other socio-economic factors play important roles in the spread of HIV/AIDS in the societies especially in backward economies of Africa. Many of these beliefs and customs are enshrined within the institution of marriage and the family. Outside the family and the marriage setting, many other predisposing factors have also been at the centre stage of spreading out HIV/AIDS and notable among them include peer pressure amongst individuals, migrations especially of prostitutes and economic limitations. The paper suggests that there is need for the government, Nongovernmental organization and civil society organizations such as different religious bodies to come out and engage themselves in mitigating this dangers associated with certain social and cultural aspects of life.
