Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Systemic Responsiveness and Transformation
regarding the responsiveness of innovative practices against HIv/aIDS in southern
Africa, two cases stand out as defining polar opposites in terms of reaction time.
Zimbabwe and South africa handled their respective crises very differently early on.
In the latter's case, the challenge was not taken seriously, leading to high prevalence
rates and complacency that left thousands dead. In Zimbabwe's case, the government
advanced sound policy to try to curtail the crisis relatively quicker than South africa.
In both cases, the reasoning for the implementation of innovations depended on
the country's respective analysis and evaluation of the current situation. For example,
South africa's reliance on the traditional beetroot and garlic concoction versus the
art to help curb HIv/aIDS prevalence rates over many years did not help control
the pandemic. this resulted in stagnant and inappropriate policy standards that led
both to the reduction of South africa's population and to damage to its reputation.
on the other hand, Zimbabwe's timely and appropriate actions taken in the face
of mounting prevalence rates comparatively early allowed for changes in sexual
behaviour and the successful implementation of the government national aIDS
programme, which contributed to a decline of HIv prevalence rates.
the effectiveness of these innovative schemes however, did not always have a
direct impact on prevalence rates. regardless of the opportunity to lower rates, the
discounted price of the art did not render the treatment accessible to all, leaving
only one sixth of those infected in South africa able to receive the drugs. Despite
Zimbabwe's successes, the country continues to record one of highest HIv prevalence
rates among those aged 15 to 49. There are also problems with efficiency, as art
does not reach other more rural communities that are also affected by the disease.
Lessons Learned and Policy Recommendations
Ten major lessons and policy recommendations flow from this analysis.
First, the HIv/aIDS epidemic is worse in southern africa than anywhere else
in the world. In eight of the nine countries in the region, adult prevalence rates
are the highest in africa. even though there are projections that indicate that HIv
prevalence rates are levelling off in some age groups in several of these countries,
Zimbabwe appears to have achieved the most success in stemming the tide of the
disease among almost all age groups and pregnant women.
Second, the low status of women in the traditional patriarchal societies in many
of these countries has led to many contracting HIv/aIDS. women who are brought
up in such villages, which is the majority of women, are taught not to question the
reluctance of many men to use condoms. this is increasingly changing as government
awareness programmes highlight the importance of condoms as a highly effective
means of preventing HIv. condoms are becoming more available even in remote
areas of the region.
