Throughout the years, South Africa has faced a number of problems.

None as alarming as the recent outbreak of HIV/AIDs and lack of fresh water reservoirs. HIV/ AIDs had a devastating impact on countrys economy, due to the disease targeting people at their prime age. This leads to South Africa spending most of its budget on finding the cure for this illness, and not improving countrys infrastructure. Over the years, South Africa has made attempts to fight HIV/AIDs. Some of them were successful, while others have failed to lower the distribution of the disease. This essay will discuss the impact of the HIV/AIDs on the country, South Africas solutions for this problem and other alternative resolutions for this crisis. Another important problem overlooked is the shortage of fresh water supplies in South Africa. In 2008, about 5 million people were still in need of adequate supplies, while three times more - 15 million people - lacked basic sanitation (SOUTH AFRICA: The quiet water crisis, 2009). The significance of such problem is that it forces the population to drink the contaminated/un-filtered water which can lead to the outbreak of many diseases. The lack of basic sanitation can also lead to the spread of germs amongst the population which usually results in a high death toll. Several governmentfunded programs have attempted to resolve this problem through the education about the water management. This essay will discuss the impact of this problem on South Africa, local solutions and other alternative resolutions to this problem. One of the most distressing problems in South Africa is the percentage of the population infected with HIV/AIDS. In 2009, an estimated 5.6 million people were living with HIV and AIDS in South Africa. The impact of the AIDS epidemic is reflected in the dramatic change in South Africas mortality rates. The overall number of annual deaths increased sharply from 1997, when 316,559 people died, to 2006 when 607,184 people died. (Avert) Young adults are the most affected age group. In 2006, 41 percent of deaths were attributed to 25-49 year olds.

There were an estimated 330, 000 under 15s living with HIV in 2009, a figure that has almost doubled since the beginning of the decade. HIV/AIDs is different from most other diseases because it strikes people in the most productive age groups and is basically 100 percent fatal. This essentially leads to countrys economic decline since this illness has such a huge impact on household earnings due to a large amount of deaths. Death results in: a permanent loss of income from less labor on the farm or from lower remittances; funeral and mourning costs; and the removal of children from school in order to save on educational expenses and to increase household labor, resulting in a severe loss of future earning potential. (John Stover, 1999) Education is the major factor that can affect economy in the medium-long run. The early death of adult parents often means that teenagers have to look after their younger siblings (brothers and sisters) instead of continuing their education. This in turn reduces the number of future skilled workers. South Africa has comprehensive policies and programmes to address the epidemic, although some of these are yet to have a significant impact. Central to the prevention pamphlets are communications programmes, including Khomanani, Soul City, and loveLife. (South African Government, 2008) There is a large free condom distribution programme, providing approximately 400 million male condoms annually. Free female condom distribution, although expanding still lags behind. South Africa has a comprehensive plan for the management, treatment, care and support of AIDS. This programme had enrolled approximately 370,000 people by September 2007 with ARV treatment in the public sector and an estimated 120,000 people in the private sector. Although still significantly lower than the treatment need, it is currently the largest AIDS treatment programme in the world. Condom use and distribution Condom use in South Africa is growing with the percentage of those using a condom during their

last sexual encounter increasing from 27 percent in 2002, 35 percent in 2005 to 62 percent in 2008. (South Africa HIV & AIDS Statistics) Younger people show the highest rates of condom use which bodes well for the future of prevention, and could explain the decline in HIV prevalence and incidence among teenagers and younger adults. The 2009 National Communication Survey on HIV/AIDS also found that 15 percent of married men and women used a condom at last sex compared to 74-83 percent men and 55-66 percent of women who had casual sex or one night encounters, identifying the need for prevention programmes to further target married couples. (Problems in South Africa, 2010) In 2007, 256 million male condoms were distributed by the government, down from 376 million in 2006. Over 3.5 million female condoms were distributed in 2006 and 2007 Of all African countries, Uganda has won the most praise for its HIV prevention efforts. HIV prevalence among adults fell from around 15% in the early 1990s to about 7% in 2001, and most experts believe this was largely because of concerted efforts to encourage safer sexual behavior. (Avert)The response began in mid-1980s, and was characterized by strong political leadership, open distribution and involvement of numerous grassroots organizations, as well as expended condom distribution, HIV testing and treatment of sexually transmitted infections. The approach used in Uganda has been named the ABC approach - firstly, encouraging sexual Abstinence until marriage; secondly, advising those who are sexually active to be faithful to one partner; and finally, urging Condom use, especially for those who have more than one sexual partner. Another method of preventing the spread of HIV/AIDs is by using an Antiretroviral drug. Most children living with HIV acquire the infection through mother-to-child transmission (MTCT), which can occur during pregnancy, labour and delivery or during breastfeeding. In the

absence of any intervention the risk of such transmission is 1530% in non-breastfeeding populations. Breastfeeding by an infected mother increases the risk by 520% to a total of 20 45%. The risk of MTCT can be reduced to under 2% by interventions that include antiretroviral (ARV) prophylaxis given to women during pregnancy and labour and to the infant in the first weeks of life, obstetrical interventions including elective caesarean delivery (prior to the onset of labour and rupture of membranes), and complete avoidance of breastfeeding. With these interventions, new HIV infections in children are becoming increasingly rare in many parts of the world, particularly in high-income countries. (United Nations) One of the major overlooked problems in South Africa is the lacking amount of quality water available. South Africa's freshwater supply is almost stretched to its limit. Less than 10% of South Africas rainfall is available as surface water, one of the lowest conversion ratios in the world. The countrys groundwater resources are equally limited. ( Enviroadmin , 2010) Despite regulations of river waters, in many catchments the need for water exceeds the supply and quality is often below standards. Given the projected growth in population and economic development, South Africa faces tough times in meeting water demands in the decades ahead. The shortfall in freshwater is tied to growing demands, but also to other issues such as loss of natural habitat and potentially climate change. (myFundi) In 1994, an estimated 14 million South Africans lacked access to a formal water supply and about half the country - 21 million people had no formal sanitation, according to the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF). Since then, access to water has increased dramatically, but backlogs persist: in 2008, about 5 million people were still in need of adequate supplies, while three times more - 15 million people - lacked basic sanitation. (SOUTH AFRICA: The quiet water crisis, 2009) A study conducted by the United Association of South Africa concluded that any decrease in the quality, and therefore

usability, of water in South Africa by 1% may result in the loss of 200,000 jobs, a drop of 5,7% in disposable income per capita, and an increase of 5% or R18,1 billion in government spending. Additional macroeconomic effects of decreased water quality include a rise in the ratio of government debt to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of 28%, a drop of R16 billion in household spending, a drop of 1% in the GDP growth rate as well as a drop of R9 billion (2,5%) in total fixed investment. (Sapa, 2010) South African government has taken several steps in order to improve water conditions in the country. The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) and The Chronicles Group, a United States non-prot corporation has announced that they have entered into a partnership to collaborate on Running Dry South Africa. The project is a grass roots public information and education campaign regarding the evolving water and sanitation crises that is confronting South Africa. It will be a model on how a population can become proactive and empowered and able to implement solutions to solve the evolving crises. (The Chronicles Group, 2009) California has the unfortunate characteristic of being prone to prolonged and severe droughts at any time. The immensity of California enables droughts to occur at different times throughout the state. Vulnerability to dry conditions elicits water reliability to be of the utmost value to water consumers. There are many solutions for dealing with water shortages, one of them being desalination. Desalination is the process of removing the salt that makes certain bodies of water undrinkable so that the water can be used for household purposes. Sea water desalination seems like the perfect answer to water shortages. However, the process of desalination is extremely expensive and building new desalination plants is very timeconsuming. Additionally, the process of desalination uses tremendous amounts of energy. This is

the primary reason why this solution probably would not work out in South Africa. In California, a $250 million desalination plant is proposed for Long Beach. The plant would produce as much as 50 million gallons of fresh water daily. However, in order to be cost effective, the plant is budgeting to get their electricity for 30-50% less than the going rate. The plant's water would sell for $800 per acre-foot, which is $300 more than imported water and $650 more than local groundwater. (CDP) Recycled water is another viable option in times of water shortages. Recycled water is wastewater that has been treated and had contaminants removed. Though the health aspects of recycled water are controversial, most experts agree that it is safe for everything but drinking. Although this wont solve South Africas fresh water shortage, it can potentially be a perfect solution for countrys sanitation trouble. The downside of recycled water for residential use is found in the cost of installation of extra pipes. For residential purposes, a home would have two sets of water pipes; one set each for pure and recycled water. Another problem with using recycled water for irrigation purposes is that many times treated wastewater is used to refill lakes, streams, and other bodies of water. Recycling the water means that less will be able to flow to those water bodies, which can have an adverse effect on the wildlife thriving in that area. In conclusion, South Africa has been recently faced with two very serious problems. The outbreak of HIV/AIDs can lead to serious economic and social problems within the country. These harms include: labour shortages and less educated population. For years South African government has been trying to prevent this disease from further spread by implementing several education based programs like Soul City and loveLife. Uganda, another African country faced with the same problem has used a mass distribution of condoms as one of their solutions. ARV is another alternative way out; it prevents the mother-to-child transmission of HIV. By distributing

the drug, South Africa can cut down the percentage of infected infants dramatically. Another major problem facing South Africa is the shortage of fresh water and the lack of sanitation. This can lead to further spread of diseases and is capable of causing another economic decline. South Africa has made several attempts to educate its population about the importance of water with help WESSA and United Stated. Countries with similar problems have used the desalination method, which increases the amount of drinkable water. Another possible solution for sanitation is the usage of the recycled water. Although it is not drinkable, it can still be used for other purposes.

Bibliography
Enviroadmin . (2010, May 24). South Africa s looming water crisis. Retrieved April 25, 2011, from Environment: http://www.environment.co.za/south-africa-environmental-issues-news/south-africaslooming-water-crisis.html Avert. (n.d.). HIV Prevention around the world. Retrieved April 11, 2011, from Avert: http://www.avert.org/global-hiv-prevention.htm CDP. (n.d.). Water Shortages. Retrieved April 25, 2011, from Water Shortages: http://www.cadroughtprep.net/watshort.htm John Stover, L. B. (1999). The Economic Impact of AIDS. Research Triangle Institute. myFundi. (n.d.). Water crisis: South Africa. Retrieved April 25, 2011, from myFundi: Your online encyclopedia: http://myfundi.co.za/e/Water_crisis:_South_Africa Problems in South Africa. (2010, July 3). Retrieved April 11, 2011, from Maps of World: http://www.mapsofworld.com/south-africa/society/problems.html Sapa. (2010, November 11). Study shows consequences of SA water crisis. Retrieved April 25, 2011, from TimesLive: http://www.timeslive.co.za/local/article763392.ece/Study-shows-consequences-of-SAwater-crisis South Africa HIV & AIDS Statistics. (n.d.). Retrieved April 25, 2011, from Avert: South Africa HIV & AIDS Statistics SOUTH AFRICA: The quiet water crisis. (2009, February 4). Retrieved April 25, 2011, from IRIN: http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=82750 South African Government. (2008, April 23). HIV & AIDS and STI. Retrieved April 11, 2011, from South African Government Information: http://www.info.gov.za/otherdocs/2007/aidsplan2007/index.html The Chronicles Group. (2009). RunningDry.org. Retrieved April 25, 2011, from http://www.runningdry.org/southafricawater.html United Nations. (n.d.). UNAIDS. Retrieved April 25, 2011, from South Africa: http://www.unaids.org/en/regionscountries/countries/southafrica/

Figure 1:

Estimated HIV prevalence (%) among antenatal clinic attendees, by age

50 40 30 20 10 0 15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34

2009 2008 2007 2006 35-39 40-44 45-49

2006

2007

2008

2009

Figure 2:

Mortality and causes of death is South Africa, 2008.

1,400,000 1,200,000 1,000,000 800,000 600,000 400,000 200,000 0 Total Unspecified 50+ 25-49 10 -24 0-9

Figure 3: Freshwater availability in the world.