Other useful websites on HIV/AIDS: www.world-corner.org www.undp.org/hiv www.avert.org.uk www.actionaid.org

Left unchecked, the spread of HIV/AIDS could have devastating effects on the long-term development of Southern Africa. However, solutions do exist, and we can all learn from the current situation.

for AIDS Fact File

Why Southern Africa?
The reasons why southern Africa has been hardest hit by AIDS are linked to economic development in the region. Large numbers of people, particularly young men, migrate to cities in search of work. Away from home, there is a greater chance of infection by sleeping with more partners. Because of low levels of education, many migrants do not know how they can be infected in the first place.

Poverty makes the situation worse. African countries currently pay four times more in debt repayments than they spend on health and education. Without proper health care, many poorer people with HIV die earlier from diseases such as tuberculosis rather than AIDS because they do not receive the treatment that would fight off these diseases. Also, whilst there is no cure for AIDS, a cocktail of drugs can slow the growth of the HIV virus. Recently, drug companies cut the price of these drugs to the developing world but the monthly bill is still $60 when the average income in Sub-Saharan Africa is only $50 a month.

Cultural factors also play a part in increasing infection rates. In some communities, victims of the virus may be thrown out of their houses by their families and lose their jobs. This discrimination stops many people from seeking treatment for fear of being discovered.

Life Expectancy changes as a result of AIDS 1995-2000

The Economy feels the Impact
The immediate concern is to treat those already ill, but hospital wards are already at breaking point. 60% of South Africa's hospital beds are taken up by AIDS patients. The impact of the virus is also felt elsewhere in the economy. In factories, productivity is dropping as workers with HIV are forced to take more days off. In the fields, crops are left untended and unsold, and in schools, falling numbers of teachers are causing class sizes to rise.

The Missing Generation
Unlike most infectious diseases, HIV is most common amongst young adults, a situation that the world has never experienced before. When a family is made up of only grandparents and grandchildren, the 'dependency ratio' increases because the productive members of the family are no longer able to be the breadwinners. As a result, families become poorer and a vicious cycle of poverty could set in. To make ends meet, other family members have to give up work or school to care for their sick relatives and dig into the family budget to pay for health treatment.

The Population Pyramid for Botswana for 2025 without AIDS.

Click on the Pyramid to see how the population structure is likely to change with AIDS if current predictions prove true.
What are the main differences between the two scenarios?
What will be the likely effects on the people and economy of Botswana if the scenario with AIDS actually happens?

Fighting the Virus

Since then, community organisations have embarked on a successful campaign to halt the spread of HIV/AIDS. Using TV adverts, lessons in schools, and song and dance activities for those that can't read, the campaign has encouraged people to discuss sexual behaviour in a way that is otherwise difficult and embarrassing but also informs people of how they can avoid infection. At the same time, the Ugandan campaign has promoted the human rights of AIDS victims to fight the discrimination of those in need of help.

Elsewhere, organisations are helping people with HIV to rebuild their lives, and supporting children orphaned by AIDS. Click on the icons below to read about the work of Hope HIV and Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO).