The Impact of HIV-AIDS on African Economies

HIV/AIDS impacts on the social, economic and demographic foundations of development. This study reviews the macro-level impacts of AIDS on all areas of life. It argues that lowering the epidemic's incidence and mitigating its impacts must be an agenda driven by national policy, requiring the persistent involvement of the highest levels of government, and engagement of all sectors. It then presents a study of the business sector's responses to the pandemic, and its role in promoting prevention and appropriate development planning. It further compares the responses of South African businesses to responses of businesses in other countries. The authors are Professor of Economics, and Principal Medical Officer at Wits Business School, South Africa.