The geographical understanding of HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Despite the small number of geographers who are conducting research on the HIV/AIDS epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa, there is now a sophisticated understanding of the origins, spread and spatial dynamics of the epidemic. Some of this understanding comes from research that has been conducted by geographers themselves, but much of the knowledge comes from related fields, ranging from the social sciences to molecular and analytic epidemiology. In this article, the spatial epidemiologic and molecular epidemiologic evidence for the African origins of HIV is reviewed, and this evidence is scientifically solid. The spread of HIV/AIDS within Africa, since the virus became firmly established within the population, is also described and analyzed. In addition, the social and economic effects of the epidemic are delineated. These effects include decreased life expectancy in many countries, increased mortality rates, and the social and economic burdens of orphanhood. The article also discusses the factors that increase individual and community vulnerability to HIV/AIDS, as well as the role of gender inequalities in HIV/AIDS in Africa. The article concludes by arguing that the challenges posed to Africa by HIV/AIDS continue unabated, and suggests that HIV/AIDS is one of the most serious challenges facing society today, thereby demanding both basic and policy-related research and understanding.

Keywords:

• HIV/AIDS
• mortality
• sub-Saharan Africa