HIV/AIDS in Southern Africa

Report of the Colloquium 26-27 November 2003

Social exclusion is a dynamic, multi-dimensional phenomenon. Driven by unequal power relationships, it works to exclude groups of people in particular contexts from engaging fully in community or social life. Many of South Africa's post-apartheid policies and programmes have been directed at correcting historical injustices responsible for social exclusion, yet inequalities remain rampant.

HIV/AIDS-related stigma has been recognised as a key problem that needs to be addressed in HIV/AIDS interventions with adults. The literature on children and HIV/AIDS is extensive, as is the literature on HIV/AIDS related stigma, but specific research on HIV/AIDS-related stigma and children is relatively sparse. This title provides a review of the available literature in this regard.

In 2002, the Human Sciences Research Council was commissioned by the WK Kellogg Foundation to develop and implement a five-year intervention project focusing on orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in southern Africa. In collaboration with several partner organisations, the project currently focuses on how children, families and communities in Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe are coping with the impact of HIV/AIDS. The aim of the project is to develop models of best practise so as to enhance and improve support structures for OVC in the southern African region as a whole.

In 2002, the Human Sciences Research Council was commissioned by the WK Kellogg Foundation to develop and implement a five-year intervention project focusing on orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in southern Africa. In collaboration with several partner organizations, the project currently focuses on how children, families and communities in Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe are coping with the impact of HIV/AIDS. The aim of the project is to develop models of best practise so as to enhance and improve support structures for OVC in the southern African region as a whole.