Impact of HIV and AIDS on South Africa's education industryHIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). HIV/AIDS in South Africa is a very significant health problem. South Africa is known to have more people living with HIV and AIDS than any other country in the world. In 2007, the UNAIDS report estimated that around 5,700,000 South Africans were living with HIV/AIDS, or just under 12% of South Africa's 48 million people. As a result, an estimated 280,000 South Africans have died from HIV/AIDS in the past year. HIV and AIDS is a problem for all businesses and industries as it affects businesses in the following ways: • Costs such as retirement funds, insurance, health and safety and medical aid are all the more higher because of HIV/AIDS• Workers living with HIV/AIDS often have low morale because they are constantly worrying about their health, which decreases their productivity• Workers whose families suffer from HIV/AIDS are less productive because they are preoccupied with constant concern for their loved one. • When an employee dies or leaves the company, it costs money to retrain and find suitable replacements. • Conflicts between staff members may arise if they discover that an employee has HIV/AIDS, as people become ignorant. and fearful, leading to rejection and exclusion of infected employees. • The number of available skilled workers is decreasing due to high rates of HIV/AIDS. HIV can be spread in the following ways, which are also the cause of high rates of this socio-economic problem. : Unprotected sexual activities with an infected person An HIV-positive mother can pass it on to her child either during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding, but this can be avoided By taking an injection...... middle of paper. ..... are infected Teach them how the virus is transmitted Inform 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 remaining faithful or abstaining from sex Organize discussions about HIV/AIDS to all students in each school and provide a counseling space for affected children, and help those who are feel threatened with infection (rape). It is important to remember that the education industry 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 not hire someone simply because they are HIV positive. It is therefore strongly advised that they take small steps towards a better future, by doing the things listed above..