Poverty and human immunodeficiency virus in children: A view from the Western Cape, South Africa
Date
2008
Authors
Marais B.J.
Esser M.
Godwin S.
Rabie H.
Cotton M.F.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Sub-Saharan Africa is the region affected worst by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), with the most southern countries, including Botswana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, and South Africa, carrying the highest disease burden. This geographic distribution represents a complex interaction among virological, political, social, cultural, and economic forces. In South Africa the HIV epidemic is seemingly unchecked, with 18% of the adult population infected. Although South Africa is a middeveloped country, there is a large chasm between the wealthy and the poor, with many living in moderate to extreme poverty. Poverty creates conditions that fuel the HIV epidemic while HIV exacerbates the multiple interlinking causes of poverty. Children are the most vulnerable members of society, severely affected by all components of the poverty cycle. Although improved health education and access to care will alleviate many problems, sustainable poverty alleviation should form an essential component of the response to AIDS. The formulation of the United Nations Millennium Developmental Goals is an important step in the right direction, but global and local political commitment is essential for success. © 2008 New York Academy of Sciences.
Description
Keywords
acquired immune deficiency syndrome, child, condom, family planning, geographic distribution, government, health auxiliary, health care facility, health center, health education, health program, high risk behavior, highly active antiretroviral therapy, household, human, Human immunodeficiency virus, poverty, review, rural area, sanitation, sexual behavior, sexual intercourse, social welfare, social work, South Africa, United Nations, world health organization, Adolescent, Child, Child, Preschool, Disease Transmission, Vertical, HIV Infections, Humans, Poverty, Risk Factors, South Africa, Human immunodeficiency virus
Citation
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
1136
1136