South Africa: Touched by the vengeance of AIDS 1

The HIV/AIDS epidemic in South Africa is at a critical phase. Until now, the spread of HIV/AIDS has not been controlled, and the government has yet to adopt a coherent policy. The National AIDS Plan, developed in 1994, is largely unimplemented, despite having been praised as an innovative programme. Complicating the situation are the politics between government and various non‐governmental organisations (NGOs) over the control of resources on one hand, and the control of turf on the other. Perceived incompatibilities in agendas cause infighting between NCOs themselves and between NCOs and government. A successful HIV/AIDS policy in South Africa must include the efforts of government, NCOs and communities.