HIV/AIDS reversing hunger and poverty alleviation

The HIV/AIDS pandemic in Swaziland is reversing poverty alleviation efforts by the government and international humanitarian groups.

"There is a ghastly synergy at work with HIV/AIDS in Swaziland," the principal secretary at the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr John Kunene, was quoted as saying by PANOS, a development NGO.

"Like a row of falling dominoes, the impact on one area strikes another area," said Kunene. "The result is more poverty at a time when poverty eradication is a national priority, and less food production during the middle of a drought and food-security crisis."

A recent UNAIDS report noted that the epidemic in Swaziland "has assumed devastating proportions" and the country shows no sign of a decline in HIV prevalence.