The AIDS epidemic is particularly apparent in South Africa. The HIV/AIDS prevalence in South Africa is estimated to be between 18-24%. Of all the deaths that occur in South Africa, half are from AIDS related causes. Additionally, the World Health Organization estimates that only 28% of those in need of anti-retroviral treatment (ART) are actually receiving it.
Of the 5.6 million people infected with HIV in South Africa, 280,000 were children under the age of 15. Another major concern is the growing number of AIDS orphans, children who have lost at least one parent to AIDS. UNAIDS estimates that are close to 1.4 million AIDS orphans in South Africa.
Between 1990 and 2003, the years South Africa’s AIDS prevelence grew fastest, the country fell 35 places on the Human Development Index. This index ranks countries based on their level of development.
The average life expectancy of South Africans has also suffered as a result of the epidemic. Currently, the average life expectancy if fifty-four years old. It is estimated that without HIV the average life expectancy would be about ten years longer.
Treatment in South Africa
The South Africa government was initially hesitant to provide antiretroviral treatment (ART) to patients. In 1996 when ART became first became available, only wealthy South Africans with access to private health insurance could access this treatment. In 2003 charges were brought against the government for causing the deaths of HIV-positive South Africans by not providing ART. After these charges were brought, the South African government created a plan to begin providing public access to ART.
South Africa was also behind many other countries in providing Nevirapine, a drug used to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV during labor and delivery. The government felt that the drug was not up to safety standards. In 2001, Nevirapine began to be made available to pregnant women. South Africa continues to push the drug company for more safety information on Nevirapine.
South Africa’s high rate of HIV transmission has been blamed on the misinformation that can be found throughout the country. Despite advances in treatment, South Africa’s health minister, Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, has promoted the use of good nutrition as a treatment for HIV over the use of ART. South Africa’s president, Thabo Mbeki, has also continually questioned the usefulness of ART.
About 80% of South Africans consult a traditional African healer, many as a supplement to conventional medicines. While many traditional healers encourage HIV-positive individuals to continue ART treatment in addition to any traditional supplements, others may discourage the use of conventional treatments or prescribe treatments that interfere with ART.
Hope for the Future
In the last few years, South Africa has taken huge steps forward in prevention campaigns and in providing treatment for HIV-positive individuals. The government released a plan in 2007 that has two main goals in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The first goal is to reduce the number of new HIV infection by 50% by 2011. The second goal is to reduce the burden of HIV/AIDS by providing appropriate treatment packages to 80% of HIV-positive individuals.
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