HIV/AIDS

• By 2009, 5.2 million South Africans had HIV, representing 17% of the population (highest number in the world); legacy of past migration, including young migrant male workers, contributed to the high prevalence
• Adversely affected the labour force and single-parents/orphans strained social services, also demand on health system was overwhelming
• Claimed it was a western disease and their reports of racism and toxic retroviral drugs fueled alarmist sentiments, arguing malnutrition and poverty were more likely, necessitating increased attention
• The central government's response was minimal, only complying with constitutional court orders