Hunter, The Bible and the quest for Developmental Justice
doms, although the extent to which this counters their risk is un-
clear. They also represent a fairly small group of women.
- Young married and cohabitating women, particularly the poor and
uneducated ones who are mainly exposed to risk through their
spouses, and who are far less likely to use condoms or be able to ne-
gotiate sexual relations.
The prognosis that many of these people will die whilst economically
active and having children, is good. The mortality rates of adults and
children in Southern Africa are discussed by Haacker (2010:40-44) in an
article on the development impact and policy challenges regarding
HIV/AIDS, and see the Ministry of Health and Social Services Report of
2008b (p. 5) that says: “Despite the rollout of ARVs the number of people
dying of AIDS related causes will continue to grow.” The same report
mentions that there are about 39 new infections per day in Namibia and
the number of people in need of ART treatment will grow from 69 500 to
114 500 by 2012/2013. The report does mention, though, that there is a
decline in HIV/AIDS related deaths in Namibia because of the roll out
of ARV’s. Nevertheless, in specific places, such as Katima Mulilo in the
North of Namibia, the prevalence rate for HIV/AIDS is as high as
31,7%. The number of people living with HIV/AIDS in Namibia will
increase to 247 000 in 2012, which represents almost one eighth of the
population (given that the number of people in Namibia stays more or
less the same). (Prognosis of the Ministry of Health and Social Services
2008:21).
Hopwood, Hunter and Kellner (2007:14) indicate that great pressure will
be created by the HIV/AIDS epidemic on the extended family support
system as the first impact will be felt on the household level and then
will have an effect on the community and on the economy. In this situa-
tion, children are normally the first to suffer. They are disrupted because
of the death of one or both parents. In Namibia, the Caprivi region has a
percentage of Orphaned and Vulnerable Children (OVC’s) as high as
42%, with at least five other regions with a percentage well over 30%.
The percentage of the OVC’s in Namibia in the age group 15-17 is 40%.
(See the Democratic and Health Survey (DHS) of 2006-07:257).
Normally, OVC’s are taken up by the extended family, but mostly by
their grandparents. The 2004 UNAIDS Report notes that orphans living
with their grandparents have increased to 61% by 2000, whereas 28%
live with relatives. Whilst having contact with siblings is very important,
