The HIV and AIDS epidemic and the challenge posed to university education excellence in sub–Saharian Africa

Abstract

The HIV and AIDS epidemic definitely impacts on the provision of qu ality education in universities in Sub-Saharan Africa. For the intellectual capacity and human resource development efforts of the sub-continent are being reduced in effects and value. Both staff and students are dying, and the previous aspirations and expectations that hitherto accompanied investments in higher education are almost dashed and some have gone to the extent of even questioning the wisdom of continu ing to invest in the sub-sector when no one is su re if the recipients of such investment would live much longer than expected. Fortunately, hope is rising again because of the advent of determined political will, concerted efforts, new treatment strategies, advocacy and reduction in stigmatization. In the light of the new hope that is emerging, this paper steps back a bit in reflecting on how the epidemic has impacted university education and what needs to be done in order to ensure that strategies adopted are firmer and more rewarding to the region.