The interesting cross-paths of HIV/AIDS and water in Southern Africa with special reference to South Africa

Abstract

HIV/AIDS and water-borne diseases account for a substantial degree of morbidity and mortality in different age groups across the globe, but their ripple effects are more devastating in developing countries. Estimates of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in South Africa vary but attest to a mature and generalised epidemic. Antenatal sero-prevalence data show a rising epidemic from less than 1% prevalence among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in 1990 to over 29.5% in 2004. Prevalence is generally higher among females than males, indicating feminisation of the epidemic. Race analyses in 2003 reveal the highest prevalence to be among African (13%) followed by Whites and Coloureds (6.2%) and least among Indians (1.6%). The epidemic which has left a wave of orphans, child-headed households and its attendant ripple effects on household structures, demography, economy and education is characterised by a ‘pigeon-hole’ of several opportunistic infections.

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