COVID-19 pandemic: lessons from the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Southern Africa. Issue 1 (2nd January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mkandawire, Paul; Cochrane, Logan; Sadaf, Shazia
• Is Part Of: African geographical review. Volume 41:Issue 1(2022)
• Page Start: 143
• Page End: 150
• Publication Date: 2022-01-02
• Subjects: HIV/AIDS -- Covid-19 -- Malawi -- Southern Africa -- geography -- political ecology; Africa -- Geography -- Periodicals; Africa -- Description and travel -- Periodicals; 916.005
• DOI: 10.1080/19376812.2020.1858122
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1937-6812

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Using Malawi as a case study, this commentary takes a retrospective view of the HIV/AIDS epidemic to draw lessons about the spread of, and government response to, Covid-19 in Southern Africa. With the legacy of colonialism and the distortions wrought in by structural adjustment programs still alive, we argue that the same factors that propelled the spread of HIV/AIDS in Southern Africa continue to shape vulnerability and response to Covid-19 in decisive ways. Understanding the geography and political ecology of HIV/AIDS is key to discerning the social and political determinants of Covid-19, which provides direction regarding appropriate social policy responses.