Responding to HIV/AIDS in the world of work in Africa: the role of social protection - Working Paper 5

This paper was prepared for the 6th International Conference on Community and Home-based Care for People living with HIV/AIDS (Dakar, December 2003). It reviews and suggests a number of responses, not only to HIV/AIDS itself but to broader needs in Africa for the protection of its people from economic and social insecurity. Starting with a historical overview of care and social policy in Africa in the light of the development challenges of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, the paper analyzes social responsibility in the private sector; decentralised system of social protection; and health and micro insurance schemes. It addresses how individuals and households cope with the impact of HIV/AIDS when they have little access to viable systems of social protection. It also looks at mechanisms for a more effective response to the epidemic; including, adapting and extending social protection systems, and public-private partnerships.