A systematic review of available information concerning the economic impact of HIV/AIDS on Swaziland

[摘要] ABSTRACTSwaziland is currently faced with a deepening HIV/AIDS epidemic. A systemicreview of available information concerning the economic impact of HIV/AIDS onSwaziland was undertaken to collate data and document this impact in order toinform decision makers and planners. The methodology for the systematic reviewwas based on the guidelines described in the Cochrane Reviewers’ handbook.HIV/AIDS has significantly increased the vulnerability of affected Swaziland ruralhouseholds to environmental shocks. There is an increased burden of orphansdue to HIV/AIDS, reduced household labour and income as adults die of AIDS.HIV/AIDS has reduced farm productivity leading to worsening of food insecurityand poverty in affected households.Due to HIV/AIDS, absenteeism in Swaziland organizations has increased by 20-fold. HIV/AIDS is currently the leading cause of death accounting for over 60percent of all employee deaths. Organisations that have implemented HIV/AIDSworkplace responses have been less affected.The micro-sector is the worst affected and it is recommended that policy makersensure that this sector is protected from the negative impact of HIV/AIDS. Theepidemic of negative impacts of HIV/AIDS in Swaziland has not yet reached thepeak.

[发布机构] University of the Witwatersrand