Showing papers by "John M. Luiz published in 1995"

Welfare policy and the transformation of social security in South Africa

Abstract: Social security is based on the belief that all citizens should be protected by the state against the main vicissitudes of life: old age, unemployment, disability and sickness. The success of welfare programmes internationally in improving poverty, income distribution and unemployment is appraised. Income maintenance in South Africa, which is discriminatory and ineffective in meeting real human needs, is examined. Although welfare should not promote dependence, neither should it be so hard to come by as to punish the poor.

The AIDS threat in South Africa. What lies ahead

Abstract: As of July 1994 there were 565856 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected persons in South Africa half of whom were 18-25 years of age and 27% of the adult population is likely to be infected by the year 2010 if current risk behaviors persist. By 2005 the cost of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) to South Africas health service could reach R18 billion. The newly established National AIDS Task Force seeks to prevent further HIV transmission by promoting condom use improving control of sexually transmitted diseases providing a safe blood supply adopting universal precautions for skin piercing and surgical procedures preventing intravenous drug use providing information about prenatal transmission promoting policies that raise womens status and socioeconomic development. The personal and social impact of HIV infection will be ameliorated through comprehensive health care and counseling for AIDS victims and their families protection of infected individuals from discriminatory practices sustainable social services and benefits to meet the needs of those with AIDS and promotion of policies that address the socioeconomic consequences of AIDS. On the administrative level interventions are planned to promote intersectoral coordination ensure adequate financing promote community involvement decentralize planning and management ensure program monitoring and evaluation forecast HIV trends and share technical expertise.