Botswana Case Study

Question 1

Key facts about the crisis?

Answer 1

• Southern Africa has a much lower population growth rate than the rest of Africa as a result of the spread of HIV and AIDS.
• It became a problem in the late 1980s, as it led to the death of those infected because they’re immune system got destroyed.

Question 2

What were the social impacts?

Answer 2

• The first case was in 1985, and by 1998 the infection spread rapidly and 1/4 of Botswanans between 15-49 were HIV positive. This was still the case in 2009.
• In 2000, 44% of pregnant women in Francestown had HIV or AIDS, compared to only 7% nine years earlier.
• Approximately 5800 Botswanans died from HIV and AIDS in 2010.
• The virus was particularly high in mining towns such as Selibi-Phikwe, where 52% of the population in 2003 were HIV positive.
• Poverty caused vulnerable young women to become prostitutes, which increased the spread of the virus.

Question 3

What were the economic impacts?

Answer 3

• Fortunately the country had a strong economy when HIV and AIDS first emerged. However, funding the drug programmes was very expensive and bringing doctors from abroad raised wages.
• People who are ill couldn’t work or contribute to the economy.
• There was a particular shortage of skilled labour in the workforce.