The HIV/AIDS epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa: Homogeneity or heterogeneity?

Abstract

This article examines the geography of HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa in a time and space perspective. Drawing on a variety of sources, an interesting picture of HIV/AIDS spread emerges, one that is quite at odds with the popular perception of an increasing HIV prevalence in most of the region. A significant decline has been underway in Uganda. There has also been stability or levelling off in countries such as Zambia, Rwanda, Burundi, and Cote d'Ivoire. In sharp contrast, prevalence is increasing in Tanzania, Swaziland and Central African Republic (CAR). The article heeds the important point that transmission of HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa not only displays differing patterns but differing reasons for those patterns between countries and regions proximate to each other. Thus, no single policy can be adopted for all countries.

Keywords:

• culture
• geography
• HIV/AIDS
• proximal determinants
• sub-Saharan Africa

Acknowledgements

Comments and suggestions by Asbjørn Aase, as well as those by Joseph R. Oppong and one anonymous reviewer are appreciated. I am also grateful for the editorial comments by Catriona Turner.