Die, the beloved countries: Human security and HIV/AIDS in Africa

The altered conception of 'security' and the introduction of its 'human' angle specifically in the post-Cold War context imply cogent reassessments of issues pertaining to sustainable development and international politics. HIV / AIDS is one such an issue that has and will continue to have a significant impact on the dynamics of 'who gets what, where, when and how' in Southern Africa. This article addresses the socio-political impact of this disease in the region, using 'human security' as the conceptual looking glass through which to ascertain the causes and effects of the unfolding disaster. This is achieved by focusing specifically on the implications for demographic, food, political and macro-economic security, and the effects on governments' ability to provide essential services. The article concludes by enjoining specifically political and other social scientists to re-double their intellectual efforts at analysing and addressing the origin, prevalence and social consequences of HIV / AIDS.