South Africa - a Pioneer in the Fight Against HIV/AIDS and Disability

Abstract

South Africa cannot usually claim to be a pioneer when it comes to HIV/AIDS and is, instead, internationally criticized for its slow and inadequate response to the epidemic. The connection between HIV/AIDS and disability has, however, been recognized relatively early and after four years of work on this topic, South Africa has taken a leading role on the continent. This is most likely the result of a general “disability-friendly” policy framework that has been developed during the transformation process in the last decade. This article therefore looks at this policy framework and the government’s response to HIV/AIDS and disability. (Abstracts available in German, French and Spanish)