Fighting HIV/AIDS insecurities using a human rights-based approach : a case study of Zimbabwe

Mungwari, Patience

Fighting HIV/AIDS insecurities using a human rights-based approach : a case study of Zimbabwe

Master Thesis

2009

Publisher

University of Cape Town

Department

Department of Political Studies

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Abstract

[No title page] This study underscores the need to tackle the escalating HIV /AIDS pandemic in Zimbabwe through a developmental and human rights based approach. In particular it focuses on second generation rights because of their emphasis on the social welfare of individuals. Second generation rights relate to the living conditions of people in society, attempting to ensure that individuals have adequate standard of living. This is achieved through the provision of adequate food, clothing, income, housing, medical care and other essential social services. While acknowledging that behaviour change is an essential element in fighting HIV/AIDS since the virus is spread mostly through sexual contact, the study recognises that it is of limited effect if factors that constrain the ability of individuals to alter their behaviour are not addressed. The study thus recommends the upholding of second-generation rights as an effective compliment to behaviour change strategies. Without mechanisms that facilitate change and build a conducive environment for such a transformation, the HIV/AIDS pandemic will continue to rage on. The research is a qualitative study conducted with a single case study. Zimbabwe is used as a case study as it provides a unique example of a country that has managed to lower its HIV/AIDS prevalence. However, it is now faced with an overwhelming challenge of increasing or at least sustaining this downward trend of the epidemic. Unfortunately, due to an economic and political melt-down the country is suffering a serious humanitarian crisis that has impoverished the community, encouraging risky sexual coping strategies and severely undermined the countries health delivery system, all which work to threaten the success achieved so far in the battle against HIV/AIDS.