Impact of HIV and AIDS on South Africa's education sectorHIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). HIV/AIDS in South Africa is a very important health problem. South Africa is known to have more people living with HIV and AIDS than any other country in the world. In the 2007 UNAIDS report, it was estimated that approximately 5,700,000 South Africans were affected by HIV/AIDS, or just under 12% of South Africa's population of 48 million. Due to this, approximately 280,000 South Africans have died from HIV/AIDS in the past year. HIV and AIDS are a problem for all businesses and industries as they affect businesses in the following ways: • Costs such as superannuation, insurance, health and safety and medical aid are all higher due to HIV/ AIDS • Workers living with HIV/AIDS often have low morale because they are constantly worried about their health and this reduces productivity • Workers with family members affected by HIV/AIDS are less productive because they are constantly worried about the person beloved • When an employee dies or leaves, it costs the company money retrain and find suitable replacements • Conflicts may arise between staff members if they discover that an employee has HIV/AIDS, as people become ignorant and fearful leading to avoidance and exclusion of infected employees • The quantity of workers available qualifications is decreasing due to high rates of HIV/AIDSHIV can be spread in the following ways, which are also the cause of the high rates of this socioeconomic problem: Unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person A positive mother to HIV can transmit it to the child during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding, however this can be prevented by giving an injection...... middle of paper . ...are infected Teach them how it is transmitted Educate staff about all laws regarding HIV/AIDS and that it is illegal to discriminate against anyone because of their HIV status Teach staff the importance of safe sex and to remain faithful or abstain from sex Host HIV/AIDS conferences for all students in every school and provide a counseling area for affected children and help those who feel threatened by infection (rape). It is important to remember that the education sector cannot stop HIV/AIDS but it can try to help prevent and reduce the number of people infected with the disease. The company has no control over the matter and it is illegal to simply not hire someone just because they are HIV/AIDS positive. Therefore it is strongly advised that they take small steps towards a brighter future by doing the things listed above.