Back | Programme Area: Social Policy and Development (2000 - 2009)
The Politics of HIV/AIDS Policies in Namibia (Draft)
Namibia is one of the five countries in the world most affected by HIV/AIDS, with an adult prevalence of 23% (Ministry of Health and Social Services 2003). AIDS has already caused life expectancy at birth in Namibia to fall from 60 years in 1990 to 43 years in 2001 (National Planning Commission 2002). Women account for 55% of all reported new HIV cases and women are also diagnosed at an earlier age than men (Ministry of Health and Social Services 2002).
This case study outlines the process of and the motivation behind HIV/AIDS policy development in Namibia. It identifies some of the factors that contribute to less than effective implementation of those policies. The development of two policies—one on discrimination, the other on education-- help illuminate factors that shaped the process and outcomes.