HIV/AIDS in South Africa

The mortality rate is increasing dramatically in South Africa. Tuberculosis, influenza and pneumonia, and cerebrovascular diseases are listed in a recent government statistical report as the leading causes of death but the scale of recent mortality rates provides evidence of the prevalence of HIV/AIDS.

The South African government is allocating insufficient resources to assist HIV/AIDS victims, especially in informal settlements. Residents of Lawley squatter camp in peri-urban Johannesburg are helping each other to cope with the devastating effects of the pandemic.

The explosive impact of HIV/AIDS on food security in Africa is now well recognised. A report commissioned by the Food and Agriculture Organisation raises concerns for neglect of agrobiodiversity and indigenous knowledge which are unique grassroots responses to food insecurity and HIV/AIDS.

Voluntary counselling and testing clinics in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa--the country hardest hit by the worldwide AIDS epidemic--are helping those who test positive for HIV come to grips with their diagnosis and live a more fulfilling life "after the test."

Activists are optimistic that South Africa's belated decision to develop a plan for distributing antiretroviral drugs is a significant win in the country's battle against HIV/AIDS.

The Institute of Race Relations report on HIV/AIDS in South Africa discloses the full statistical horror of the social impact of HIV/AIDS and predicts impact on economic growth
From: Health Systems Trust

A warning that, however welcome and essential the anti-retroviral programme, its implementation carries significant risks to other health services due to lack of capacity and the sheer magnitude of the problem
From: Health Systems Trust