HIV/AIDS, Crime and Security in Southern Africa

Abstract

HIV/AIDS, crime, security and governance are linked issues in the region of Southern Africa. According to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and World Health Organisation (WHO), sub-Saharan Africa is home to approximately 10 percent of the worlds population and 2/3 of this population is infected with HIV. Within sub-Saharan Africa, Southern Africa remains the worlds most affected region: globally, 32% of people with HIV live in this sub-region and 34% of AIDS deaths occur within this region as well. Infection rates in Southern Africa indicate that huge numbers of people will die over the next 10 years, thus affecting the basic functioning of society. The skills and human resources needed for an effective government will become scarce. The HIV/AIDS pandemic has become an issue no less destructive than warfare itself. It is recognised that health is part of the fabric of what constitutes a countrys security, not only due to the impact a disease can pose to a states stability, but also to the states ability to maintain internal stability and external security. This situation has called for the attention of the international community to assist Southern African governments, especially during conflict situations and humanitarian emergencies. In addition, selected sections of personal interviews with four South African experts on AIDS-related issues have been included in this manuscript in order to clarify some theoretical aspects.