HIV/AIDS in South Africa 25 Years On: Psychosocial Perspectives

Description

HIV/AIDS in South Africa 25 Years On Edited by Poul Rohleder, Leslie Swartz, Seth Kalichman, and Leickness Chisamu Simbayi Much has happened since the first appearance of AIDS in 1981: it has been identified, studied, and occasionally denied. The virus has shifted host populations and spread globally. Medicine, the social sciences, and world governments have joined forces to combat and prevent the disease. And South Africa has emerged as ground zero for the pandemic. The editors of HIV/AIDS in South Africa 25 Years On present the South African crisis as a template for addressing the myriad issues surrounding the epidemic worldwide, as the book brings together a widely scattered body of literature, analyzes psychosocial and sexual aspects contributing to HIV transmission and prevention, and delves into complex intersections of race, gender, class, and politics. Including largely overlooked populations and issues (e.g., prisoners, persons with disabilities, stigma), as well as challenges shaping future research and policy, the contributors approach their topics with rare depth, meticulous research, carefully drawn conclusions, and profound compassion. Among the topics covered: The relationship between HIV and poverty, starting from the question, "Which is the determinant and which is the consequence?" Epidemiology of HIV among women and men: concepts of femininity and masculinity, and gender inequities as they affect HIV risk; gender-specific prevention and intervention strategies. The impact of AIDS on infants and young children: risk and protective factors; care of children by HIV-positive mothers; HIV-infected children. Current prevention and treatment projects, including local-level responses, community-based work, and VCT (voluntary counseling and testing) programs. New directions: promoting circumcision, vaccine trials, "positive prevention." South Africa’s history of AIDS denialism. The urgent lessons in this book apply both globally and locally, making HIV/AIDS in South Africa 25 Years On uniquely instructive and useful for professionals working in HIV/AIDS and global public health. With foreword by Edwin Cameron, Constitutional Court of South Africa. Front Matter....Pages i-xvi Introduction and Overview....Pages 1-9 Front Matter....Pages 11-11 The Sociocultural Aspects of HIV/AIDS in South Africa....Pages 13-25 HIV and Women....Pages 27-40 Masculinity and HIV/AIDS....Pages 41-54 HIV and Youth: A Behavioural Perspective....Pages 55-68 Infants and Young Children Affected by HIV/AIDS....Pages 69-87 Poverty and HIV and AIDS....Pages 89-104 HIV and Stigma in South Africa....Pages 105-120 Front Matter....Pages 121-121 The Politics and Psychology of AIDS Denialism....Pages 123-134 Local-Level Responses to HIV/AIDS in South Africa....Pages 135-153 Social Movements and HIV/AIDS in South Africa....Pages 155-164 Approaches to HIV Counselling and Testing: Strengths and Weaknesses, and Challenges for the Way Forward....Pages 165-182 Vertical transmission of HIV – Pregnancy and Infant Issues....Pages 183-204 HIV/AIDS, Nutrition and Structural Interventions in South Africa: A Move in the Right Direction....Pages 205-220 Strengthening Community Responses to AIDS: Possibilities and Challenges....Pages 221-235 HIV/AIDS, Religion and Spirituality....Pages 237-251 Front Matter....Pages 253-253 Experiences of People Living with HIV....Pages 255-271 Positive Prevention: HIV Risk Reduction for People Living with HIV/AIDS....Pages 273-286 Front Matter....Pages 287-287 HIV/AIDS and Persons with Disabilities....Pages 289-304 HIV/Aids and the Prison System....Pages 305-321 Front Matter....Pages 287-287 HIV and Circumcision....Pages 323-336 Participation in HIV Vaccine Trials....Pages 337-351 Bridging the Gap Between HIV and Mental Health Services in South Africa....Pages 353-371 Back Matter....Pages 1-21