Zuma says he showered to reduce risk of HIV

Former South African Deputy President Jacob Zuma revealed today that he believed taking a shower would reduce the risk of infection after unprotected sex with an HIV-infected woman, provoking dismay in one of the countries hardest hit by Aids.

Activists fear Zuma’s court testimony will set a disastrous example and undermine years of prevention campaigns against a virus that has infected up to six million South Africans – the highest number anywhere in the world.