Health and Disease in South Africa

Introduction

The developing country of South Africa is located in the eastern hemisphere on the southern tip of the African continent. This country was colonized by Britain and gained its independence after a whites-only referendum in 1961 (Central Intelligence Agency, 2021). As a nation with a free enterprise economy, South Africa embraces a hyperglobalist perspective on globalization, characterized by the belief in the virtues of private enterprise and the role of transnational corporations in today's trade. The country's economy is significantly influenced by its abundant natural resources, including gold, diamonds, and iron.

Economic Overview

South Africa's GDP real growth rate decreased from 1.3% in 2015 to 0.7% in 2017, mirroring a similar decline in the East African country of Kenya, which saw its GDP rate drop from 5.7% in 2015 to 5.1% in 2017 (Central Intelligence Agency, 2021). This economic stagnation highlights the challenges faced by developing nations in sustaining growth amidst global economic fluctuations.

Health and Disease in South Africa

Health and disease in South Africa, specifically the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), have severely impacted the population. Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest rate of infection, with over 22 million people affected, or almost 5% of the population (Robbins & Dowty, 2019, p. 241). The origins of AIDS, which initially affected only a few people after World War II, made a significant breakthrough worldwide in the late 70s, leading to widespread infection.

The Impact of AIDS

The transmission of AIDS in South Africa is intricately linked to capitalism through factors such as poverty, human and business travel, and war. Tourism, one of the largest industries, increases the migration of people, heightening the risk of exposure to AIDS and other diseases. This situation poses risks not only to travelers but also to the host country's population (Robbins & Dowty, 2019, p. 242). Male workers seeking business opportunities are more likely to spread the disease when moving from rural to urban areas. South Africa is notoriously referred to as "The Highway of Death," with truckers having an infection rate of 90% (Gould, 1993, p. 75). For example, men visiting prostitutes already infected with AIDS contract the disease and subsequently spread it upon returning to their home villages.

War and AIDS Transmission

War also contributes to the transmission of AIDS through the movement of soldiers and refugees resulting from conflict (Robbins & Dowty, 2019, p. 244). The South African military campaigns have employed rape as a tactic to control and victimize enemies. With a majority of soldiers being infected and an increase in multiple-partner sexual activity, combined with malnutrition and stressed immune systems, the spread of the disease is exacerbated (Garrett, 1994, pp. 367-368).

The Role of Poverty

In the early twenty-first century, AIDS struck hard in peripheral countries, where poverty played a major role. Programs in both poor and wealthy countries cut health, sanitation, and education initiatives to address sovereign debt (Robbins & Dowty, 2019, p. 225). The destruction of healthcare services led to the emergence and rapid spread of diseases. The people in these disadvantaged countries lacked the resources necessary to understand the importance of healthy sexual choices, resulting in increased infections with sexually transmitted diseases, such as AIDS. This situation underscores the need for comprehensive health education and resources to combat the spread of such diseases effectively.

Government Efforts and Future Challenges

Today, the South African government has made significant efforts to reduce AIDS-related deaths by launching its third five-year South African National Strategic Plan on sexually transmitted infections, lowering AIDS-related deaths by more than 55% since 2005. The government is also implementing programs in areas with high infection rates (UNAIDS, 2017). Despite these efforts, the fight against AIDS remains ongoing, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and resources.

Conclusion

AIDS is known as the signature disease of the culture of capitalism. The efforts made by the South African government to mitigate the spread of this disease, driven by factors such as poverty, human and business travel, and war, are essential. While these efforts may not completely eradicate AIDS, they are crucial for the health of not only South Africa but also the global community. Continued international collaboration and support are vital in combating this pervasive epidemic.

References

Central Intelligence Agency. (2021). The World Factbook: South Africa. Retrieved from https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/south-africa/

Gould, C. (1993). South Africa: The Highway of Death. In Global Issues (pp. 74-76). New York: Macmillan.

Garrett, L. (1994). The Coming Plague: Newly Emerging Diseases in a World Out of Balance. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

Robbins, R., & Dowty, R. (2019). Global Problems and the Culture of Capitalism. Boston: Pearson.

UNAIDS. (2017). South Africa - Key Country Indicators. Retrieved from http://www.unaids.org/en/regionscountries/countries/southafrica