As this epidemic affects young people who ordinarily do not use the health services frequently, therefore has a potential of creating a huge burden on our health services, when its effects begin to be felt. This results in the productivity being affected through absenteeism, premature death of both skilled and unskilled workers including those in the management echelons. Hundreds of orphans left by young people who would have died of AIDS will create an enormous strain on the welfare services and the country's budget. Pupils in schools are infected, so are thousands of students in our tertiary institutions. This indeed will have dire consequences for both the economic and social transformation of our country.
Figures indicate that the epidemic is still ravaging our country unchecked.
The rise is very steep and the results are indeed devastating. While the situation is cause for alarm its not all doom and gloom madam speaker. There are indeed countries that have demonstrated that with a properly coordinated effort, it is possible to change the course of the epidemic. I would therefore argue madam speaker that this is one single issue around which there has to be national consensus, not only amongst political parties but throughout all sectors of our community. The problem is sufficiently serious, the consequences are so dire that we have no choice, but indeed work together for the good of our nation and our common future.