THE AIDS EPIDEMIC IN SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa is currently experiencing one of the most severe AIDS epidemics in the world. There are approximately 6 million people living with HIV in South Africa, and almost 1,000 AIDS deaths occur every day.

A number of factors have been blamed for the increasing severity of South Africa’s AIDS epidemic, and debates continue about whether the government’s response has been sufficient.

Statistics show that almost one in five adults are infected. And for each person living with HIV in South Africa, and elsewhere, the disease not only has an impact on their lives, but also on those of their families, friends and wider communities.

It is known that with anti-retroviral drug treatment, HIV positive individuals can maintain their health and often lead relatively normal lives. However, few people in South Africa have access to this treatment. This means that AIDS deaths are alarmingly common throughout the country. It is thought that almost half of all deaths in South Africa, and a staggering 71% of deaths among those aged between 15 and 49, are caused by AIDS.

FXB established their after-school program to serve youth affected by HIV and AIDS. The organization allows children to continue their education and to study in a safe and conducive learning environment. They provide basic nutritional and psychological support, as well as training and information sessions on basic health. Their primary objective is to empower young people to lead healthier, more responsible lives and to encourage their peers to follow a similar path by taking leadership in their communities.


source: www.avert.org/aidssouthafrica.htm