Abstract:
ABSTRACT
Swaziland is currently faced with a deepening HIV/AIDS epidemic. A systemic
review of available information concerning the economic impact of HIV/AIDS on
Swaziland was undertaken to collate data and document this impact in order to
inform decision makers and planners. The methodology for the systematic review
was based on the guidelines described in the Cochrane Reviewers’ handbook.
HIV/AIDS has significantly increased the vulnerability of affected Swaziland rural
households to environmental shocks. There is an increased burden of orphans
due to HIV/AIDS, reduced household labour and income as adults die of AIDS.
HIV/AIDS has reduced farm productivity leading to worsening of food insecurity
and poverty in affected households.
Due to HIV/AIDS, absenteeism in Swaziland organizations has increased by 20-
fold. HIV/AIDS is currently the leading cause of death accounting for over 60
percent of all employee deaths. Organisations that have implemented HIV/AIDS
workplace responses have been less affected.
The micro-sector is the worst affected and it is recommended that policy makers
ensure that this sector is protected from the negative impact of HIV/AIDS. The
epidemic of negative impacts of HIV/AIDS in Swaziland has not yet reached the
peak.
Description:
A research report submitted to The Faculty of Health Sciences, University
of Witwatersrand, in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree
Of
Masters in Public Health
Johannesburg 2005
