HIV/AIDS

An AIDS epidemic is sweeping through the poor of this area. Kwa-Zulu/Natal has the highest HIV infection rate in the world and the Valley of 1000 Hills is probably the epicentre of the world wide AIDS epidemic. Infection rate statistics are hard to come by due to the social stigma of AIDS causing a general attitude of denial. However it appears that the majority of people between 18-35 are HIV positive. According to admission statistics of local hospitals the HIV infection rate of the general population in this area may be well in excess of 40%. Most homes have either experienced deaths due to AIDS or house people who are dying of AIDS. Due to ambiguous government policies concerning HIV/AIDS these mostly poor and uneducated people are confused and misinformed about the cause and treatment of HIV/AIDS. As a result of this epidemic there are more and more AIDS orphans. Homes and outreach to these children is seen as a priority at this time. Hospices are urgently needed for the dying.