Swaziland's HIV/Aids Crisis

	The Kingdom of Swaziland is facing an ever-increasing HIV epidemic in its population of approximately 1 million. The prevalence has increased from 3,9% in 1992 to nearly 39.2% in 2007. A direct impact of this epidemic is the dramatic increase in the number of orphans and vulnerable children. This, coupled with the devastating drought has resulted in severe malnutrition in communities. The current drought has affected Swaziland for four consecutive years. Swaziland ARV Policy Swaziland's HIV/AIDS health policy is that once a person/child has been tested positive, their CD4 count is monitored by the VCT centre at various health centres around the country and if below 200, they are given anti retroviral drugs free of charge. If a person is raped, they are given anti retroviral drugs free of charge as a preventative measure. If a pregnant mother is HIV positive, within 72 hours of birth, the mother and child are given Neviropin to prevent mother to child transmission. This is also given free of charge.
	Some Statistics
		The Ministry of Education figures show that one in four people are HIV positive and one in two sexually active people are HIV positive There were 70 000 orphans in our country in 2006. NERCHA estimates that as of the beginning of the year 2007, 25% of our children are orphans. By the year 2010, there will be an increase to 120 000 children who will fall under this category. There are 20 000 people who are living with full blown AIDS and only 2000 hospital beds in the national hospitals. Approximately 15 000 households are headed by children. 69% of the population in Swaziland are living below the poverty line. Approximately 40% of our population depend on World Food Aid. Swaziland has the highest HIV/Aids positive rate in the world
A combination of poverty within the community, large families and extended families being overstretched, paints a very bleak future not only for the children, but also for those who are ill and dying of HIV/AIDS. (COURTNEY D)