An assessment of the Johannesburg's Human Development Strategy and its appropriateness in dealing with HIV/AIDS in informal settlements

Abstract

When HIV/AIDS first emerged from the shadows decades ago, few people could visualise how the epidemic would evolve, and fewer still could describe with any certainty the best ways of combating it. Today, we know from experience that the impact of HIV/AIDS thrives in conditions of socio-economic vulnerability and inequity. We are witnessing how HIV/AIDS is devastating regions, widening the gap between the rich and the poor, pushing the already stigmatised groups further away and destroying the sustainability of communities and their development conditions. The burden lies on local governments, National as well as regional authorities to take a more proactive role in confronting the pandemic and to prioritise activities geared towards the prevention of the spread of the disease. To fight poverty is to promote human development thus broadening people’s choices. This research project assesses the current practices that Johannesburg government has taken as an appropriate strategy to fight HIV/AIDS in Informal Settlements using the Human Development Strategy. Assessing the appropriateness of Human Development Strategy, an Informal Settlement named Sol Plaatjies, which is situated in Region 5 of Johannesburg, is used as a case study. The appropriateness of this strategy is measured against its ability to reduce the effects that are brought about by the HIV/AIDS since this strategy has been implemented in Sol Plaatjies.