The impact of the AIDS epidemic on South Africa's children

Abstract

This chapter highlights the many impacts that HIV and AIDS impose upon South Africa’s children. Efforts under way to alleviate these impacts are critically examined. Alternative policies and programmes that could potentially better alleviate the impacts are also discussed. Initially, the nature of the epidemic and its likely impacts upon the populations of adults and children are examined. The chapter then goes on to discuss the impact of increased illness and death from AIDS on the health, welfare and education of children. Many children are already living in poverty. These areas are examined in terms of household level economic strain and the capacity of the community systems designed to provide services to children to meet these extra demands. Attention is then given to interventions that currently exist in terms of prevention and mitigation. Family, community and, in particular, state responses are outlined and critiqued. This information is used to identify key concerns and areas for action.