ABC

HIV/AIDS is one of the biggest challenges facing the African continent, in particular Sub Saharan Africa where approximately 22 million people are living with HIV/AIDS. The crisis poses serious threats on African development. Everyday the disease creates a staggering number of orphans and vulnerable children, which are in acute need of assistance. Nevertheless, a downturn trend is slowly evolving where there are signs of slow decrease and stabilisation in the epidemic. Still the epidemic is dire, and South Africa is the country in the world, in relation to its population, that is worst affected. Especially worrying is the increase of infection amongst the young population in the ages 15-21.

These are hard facts and figures to grasp, especially when one does not live in a society that constantly reminds you of the destitute situations brought about by the disease. What is important for ALL people to understand is the urgent need for African governments, along with NGOs to develop and implement effective programs and policies to adverse the spread of HIV/AIDS and to deal with the associated problems. Decent education for Africa’s next generation is an important focus, in order to combat and confront the HIV/AIDS crisis. The NGO that I am doing my placement with: Star for Life, is a relatively small NGO that deals with this issue. Through an educational programme the NGO aims to bring a mental vaccination to youths, where they are able to achieve their dreams by living an AIDS free life. The Star for Life programme is implemented in existing schools around S. Africa and Namibia with an effort to improve rural school infrastructure.

In South Africa the extent of the spread of HIV/AIDS has long been neglected by authorities. But civil society movements have had active HIV/AIDS campaigns and introduced the ABC concept:
A- Abstain
B- Be Faithful
C- Condomise
When the sex addict Jacob Zuma came into power he proclaimed himself an advocator of the HIV/AIDS campaign, but yet has failed on all parts of the ABC concept.
Firstly, he has several wives and girlfriends, meaning he failed point B- Be faithful. A recent scandal was that he slept with the daughter to one of the bosses and chairmans for the World Cup and got her pregnant- failing point A and C. Last of all, he was put in the spotlight after having slept with a HIV positive girl, and after made his “famous” statement
- It is ok, because I showered afterwards.
This is the president that is dealing with the HIV/AIDS situation in the country worst affected. The National Aids Helpline in South Africa has been inundated with calls about whether taking a shower after unprotected sex can minimise the risk of contracting HIV.

Now one can clearly understand the stressing need for civil society movements to act and put pressure on all levels in order to bring hope into the ill-fated situation.