This paper describes the intensifying AIDS epidemic in Sub-Saharan Africa, and identifies a range of emergent needs in this connection. It examines existing social work involvement in AIDS and finds that social workers in Africa are currently considerably under utilised in this field. The paper explores potential social work roles and argues for the inclusion of AIDS issues in all social work training, and for closer coordination between medical and social aspects of care, to engage social workers and others in meeting growing needs more effectively. The author argues for the mobilisation of widespread community resourcesfor the prevention of HIV, to provide support for people with HIV or AIDS and their families, and to recognise AIDS as a critical development issue demanding an urgent response.
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