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CURRENTS
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The fight against HIV/AIDS in South Africa is constantly hampered by the stigmas and misperceptions that surround the disease. For example, HIV/AIDS is seen as an illness of the poor, even though it affects all sectors of society. Also, in South Africa the subject of HIV/AIDS is extremely controversial, and can be taboo. It is perceived as a disease of the morally corrupt because AIDS is most commonly transmitted through sexual activity or drug use (avert.org). In a speech by Dr. Peter Piot, Executive Director of UNAIDS, he claims, “HIV stigma comes from the powerful combination of shame and fear. HIV is transmitted through sex and so is surrounded by taboo and moral judgment.” As a result of stigmas and negative perceptions, discrimination against those with AIDS is a problem in South Africa. Being infected can negatively affect employment, housing options, and social relationships. This discrimination is so bad that it deters many South Africans from getting tested for the virus, further hindering the battle against AIDS. The South African government and nongovernmental organizations have devoted considerable energy to education initiatives about the virus. However, more work must still be done. Studies have found that many young people report not using a condom when engaging in sexual intercourse (The UN Epidemiological Fact Sheet on HIV and AIDS- South Africa). Thus, while AIDS prevention is important to the South African government, more must be done in order to make these educational initiatives more effective. Impact of HIV South Africa has the highest number of AIDS cases in the world. Each day, 600 people die as a result of AIDS- related illnesses. This has an enormous effect on the country, both socially and economically. HIV/AIDS strikes those in the most productive age groups and is fatal without antiretroviral medication. Therefore, the disease has had a great effect on the workplace. Staff illnesses, absentees, and death negatively affect productivity. Occupational health and safety is also affected and workplace morale is low. AIDS affects economic output and strains the economy as medical care costs, drugs, and funeral expenses pile up. AIDS also leaves many children parentless; these orphans must be provided for as well (Economic Impact of AIDS in South Africa). The government has been working to control the epidemic and spends 15% of government expenditures on health. As a result, the infection rate among young people under age 20 has remained stable over the past four years (Unaids.org). Government Response and Access The South African government is well aware of the crisis that the AIDS epidemic
has created in their country and is working hard to help battle the disease.
In 2003, the government committed $1.7 billion to fighting AIDS during the next
three years. The government also passed the Comprehensive National Plan on HIV
and AIDS Care, Management and Treatment act, which aims to provide 1.5 million
South Africans with antiretroviral treatment by 2008 (www.unaids.org). However,
South Africa lacks the resources and infrastructure to allow for sufficient
access to treatment and education for all citizens. The country is made up of
large, overcrowded cities and sparsely populated rural areas. The rural areas
are underdeveloped and isolated, which makes it difficult to provide treatment
and educational resources there. It also makes it hard to get an estimate of
how grave the situation really is because many people are never even tested
for the HIV virus. Scale South Africa has the largest number of HIV/AIDS cases in the world. In fact, 13% of all infections worldwide occur there. Statistics that illustrate the severity of the AIDS epidemic within the country follow. -Adult (15-49) HIV Prevalence Rate: 21.5% (higher in some areas) Local NGO profile: loveLife While there are many NGOs working on HIV/AIDS issues in South Africa, the largest is loveLife, a national HIV prevention program for young people. Launched in 1999, loveLife aims to reduce teenage pregnancies and HIV/AIDS by promoting sexual responsibility. The NGO accomplishes its goals by implementing wide-scale media campaigns, service and support programs such as national help hotlines, as well as closely evaluating the program’s effect throughout the country. Facts and Resources about AIDS in South Africa *To Read: “Chandra’s Secrets”, by Allan Stratton (Gr. 9-12) –About the stigmas and discriminations of HIV/AIDS in Southern Africa*A survey conducted in March 2004 found that South Africans spend more time at funerals than they do getting their haircut, shopping, or going to barbeques (www.avert.org) *Photography: Graveyard Shortages in South Africa Due to AIDS *Audio: Rachel L. Swarns Reports on a Program that Offers Free AIDS Medicine in South Africa *Interactive Feature: "A Hollowed City", the Effect of AIDS in Southern Africa *Time Article: South Africa's "Sesame Street" has an HIV Positive Puppet *Multimedia: Impact of AIDS on Orphans in Southern Africa *Statement by UNAIDS Executive Director, 2001- About HIV/AIDS discrimination in Southern Africa | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
