Over 80% increase in the number of individuals in extreme poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa from 1981 to 2004. by Brittney Hertog

The United Nations defines extreme poverty as those living on less than approximately a dollar a day (now adjusted to $1.08[US]). From 1981 to 2004 the numbers of those living in extreme poverty rose from about 165 million to 300 million people (82%). The World Bank proclaims the Sub-Saharan African Region is the only region in which extreme poverty numbers are expected to increase by 2015. The projection line continues to rise towards the end of the graph, suggesting a doubling of the total number from 1981.

However, by looking at this graph, one can also see that the percent of the population in extreme poverty has decreased. It should also be noted that the projection shows only this region is expected to fall short of the targeted percent by more than 1%. The most common explanation for this failure is the HIV/AIDS (Human Immunodeficiency Virus / Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) epidemic and the lack of affordable medicine.

The graph clearly shows the prevalence of HIV/AIDS has risen exponentially since the year 1990. It also shows a slight decrease between 2000 and 2006. This is most often explained by the deaths of those who contracted the disease much earlier. Also, education of how not to contract the HIV virus has been beneficial in many areas. However, there is a common held belief that if a person with the HIV virus has sexual intercourse with a virgin it will rid them of the disease. There have been many reported cases of rape of young girls, even of ones of five month old babies in South Africa, causing the virus to spread more rapidly through younger generations and perpetuate the damage of the disease. The medicines used to ease the situations of the disease are not readily available in Sub-Saharan Africa. Where they are available, copyright laws on pharmaceuticals prevent the availability of the generic (more affordable) form of the drug. Families who do buy these medicines are driven into poverty, but most must do without. In either case, there is one less family member to work for a living, and often another family member must take care of the affected individual, leaving behind their work as well. Poverty develops when income reduces, especially for these families already living on an extremely low income (by world standards). To further the situation, when those who support the family die, there are less opportunities for the entire family. The younger members must forego any possible education opportunities in order to sustain the rest of the family. Lower wages are given to children as well as to those without an education, compounding the family income crisis.

The issues of HIV and AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa are creating a growing humanitarian crisis. Many have the education in order to prevent themselves from contracting HIV in situations they control. They cannot prevent themselves well from situations out of their control, specifically rape. The myth to ridding oneself of HIV by sexual intercourse with a virgin compounds this epidemic and will sustain it until the belief is dispelled entirely. Unfortunately, there is little people can do to stop this pandemic outside of educating those still uninfected, allowing access to the drugs needed for those already affected, and providing opportunities for those left behind in extreme poverty. The best solution known at the moment is to use these venues to attack the situation, continuing to foster the decline of the prevalence HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Sources:

http://web.worldbank.org/external/default/main?theSitePK=3413261&pagePK=6421895 0&contentMDK=21260386&menuPK=3413279&piPK=64218883

Conversations with Oxfam representative Nancy Delaney