Abstract
M.A.
The human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV), a virus which causes an illness known as
acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is spreading at an alarming rate in South
Africa. The exact number of people already infected by this virus is unknown, since the
epidemic can only be measured by the number of reported incidents of AIDS cases. Van
Bilj on (1994:7) believes that the most accurate prediction is perhaps the result of
estimations based on preventative studies, projections and mathematical models.
hi short, HIV/AIDS is today widely regarded as a serious problem, which affects people
economically, politically, ethically and socially. Lachman (undated) considered the
ethical and social implications of HIV/AIDS as follows: the first is to protect the public's
health; the second is to protect the inherent rights of AIDS patients and HIV-positive
people who, although they seem to be healthy, are in actual fact sufferers; the third
involves consideration of the allocation of scarce resources to people with HIV/AIDS
and other groups in need of health care.
The seventh national annual survey of women attending antenatal clinics, conducted by
the Department of Health during October/November 1996 indicated that more than 2.4
million South Africans were HIV positive at that stage. More specifically, the level of
HIV infection amongst the total population in the provinces was estimated as follows:
Western Cape - 3,09%, Northern Cape - 6,47%, Northern Province - 7,96%, Eastern Cape
- 8,10%, Gauteng - 15,49%, Free State - 17,49%, Mpumalanga - 15,77%, KwaZulu Natal
- 19,90% and North West - 25,13%. According to this survey, North West has the
highest level of HIV infection, and Western Cape the lowest. Initially this epidemic
mainly involved white homosexual men. Today it is mostly found among heterosexuals
and is increasing among mothers and children. The development and intensive utilization
of HIV testing of blood transfusion resulted in better control of blood donation in South
Africa and it is still being improved. Van Biljon (1994:8) believes that over the last few
years the disease became more prevalent in black communities. Most of the reported
AIDS cases fall in the age group 20 to 39 which represents the largest portion of the
economically active population. From the results of some research projects conducted
in the work situation it can be stated that many of the potential work-place problems
associated with AIDS may stem from a lack of understanding of how the virus is passed
on. Employers can help to promote understanding by providing information and
encouraging thorough informed discussion of the issues. Trade union leaders should also
play an important part in assisting employers to develop policies which will make the life
of HIV infected people better. This is an essential feature of any company's AIDS policy.