Southern Africa continues to be the worst affected area. In Zimbabwe, infection was estimated at one in five adults in 1996 and, in one town with a large population of migrant workers, seven pregnant women in ten were already testing HIV-positive in 1995. In very badly affected countries such as these, the development gains achieved over the last few decades are already being wiped out by the epidemic. In Botswana, life expectancy, which rose from under 43 years in 1955 to 61 years in 1990, has now fallen to levels previously found in the late 1960s. The undeniable socio-economic determinants and impact of HIV, in particular the inequalities and the inequity that undermine social and economic progress, must increasingly be factored into development policies and strategies, at all levels.
African populations are very young.
The number of people living in cities is expected to more than double in 35 years. Cities throughout Africa are seeing increasing rates of HIV infections among women and men in their most economically and socially productive years. These disturbing trends, as we know, have repercussions on all aspects of life and development. We must all expand our efforts to mobilise additional resources. And new and existing resources must be wisely used to ensure equitable development for this generation and generations to come.