Reasons

• 2005: 270,000+ HIV cases (24.1% population)
• Life expectancy < 40 years (28 years lower due to AIDS)
• Over 120,000 children lost parent(s) to epidemic

Policy

• (1987-89) Blood screening to prevent HIV transmission
• (1989-97) National Policy on AIDS: Information, education, communication programs
• (1997 onwards) Focus on education, prevention, care, incl. antiretroviral treatment for 19,000

Impact -

• Death Rates:
  • Surge of 50% between 1995-2005.
  • 70% of deaths attributed to AIDS-related causes.
• Productivity:
  • Decline of 30% due to workforce depletion from HIV/AIDS-related illnesses and deaths.
• Economic Losses:
  • Estimated at $3.5 billion annually.
  • Equivalent to 15% of GDP.
• Social Fabric:
  • 40% increase in orphaned children.
  • 25% rise in single-parent households.

Solution/Prevention -

Public Education & Awareness

1. Promote "ABC" of AIDS: Abstain, Be faithful, Condomize
2. Deploy safe-sex billboards, posters widely
3. Produce culturally specific HIV/AIDS radio dramas, encourage behavior change
4. Implement workplace peer counseling

Education for Young People