Development Bulletin

Abstract

This Development Bulletin addresses the critical intersection of HIV/AIDS and economic development in Africa, where the pandemic has emerged as the leading cause of mortality, reversing decades of socio-economic progress. Emphasizing Southern Africa, the issue underscores the urgent need for integrated responses across national, regional, and global platforms. Key articles explore the pandemic’s socio-economic ramifications, including its impact on education in Zambia, lived experiences of affected individuals, critiques of current HIV strategies, and policy recommendations from international forums such as the XIth International Conference on HIV/AIDS and STDs and the UN review of the ICPD Programme of Action. The bulletin also highlights recent regional initiatives, including high-level visits by the ECA Executive Secretary, the SADC Summit, and forums on women’s empowerment, trade, and long-term development planning. Collectively, the issue advocates for multisectoral collaboration to mitigate the pandemic’s destabilizing effects and advance sustainable development in Africa.