Political and socio-economic instability: does it have a role in the HIV/AIDS epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa?
Premkumar, R.; Tebandeke, A.
Sahara J Journal of Social Aspects of Hiv/Aids Research Alliance 8(2): 65-73
2011
ISSN/ISBN: 1729-0376 PMID: 23237683 DOI: 10.1080/17290376.2011.9724987Document Number: 572970
Many sub-Saharan African countries are confronted by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. This article reviews academic literature in the social sciences and health to discover why HIV/AIDS has become an epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa and not in other parts of the world. This was studied by examining the social determinants of diminishment of tradition and social cohesion in terms of political, social and economic problems. Four countries in this region were selected for this case study, namely South Africa, Botswana, Uganda and Zimbabwe. The findings showed that instability in socio-economic and political aspects in these nations was responsible for creating a suitable environment for the spread of HIV/AIDS infection. This paper concludes by using the theories of collective action/responsibility and social cohesion to hypothesise that the breakdown of social ties due to various kinds of conflicts and unrest is one of the main contributors to the HIV/AIDS epidemic.