African Journal of AIDS Research
Volume 10, Issue SUPPL. 1, 2011, Pages 381-391

South African HIV/AIDS programming overlooks migration, urban livelihoods, and informal workplaces (Article)

Vearey J.* , Richter M. , Núñez L. , Moyo K.
  • a African Centre for Migration and Society, University of Witwatersrand, PO Box 76, Wits 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa
  • b African Centre for Migration and Society, University of Witwatersrand, PO Box 76, Wits 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa, International Centre for Reproductive Health, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185 P3, Ghent B-9000, Belgium
  • c African Centre for Migration and Society, University of Witwatersrand, PO Box 76, Wits 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa
  • d African Centre for Migration and Society, University of Witwatersrand, PO Box 76, Wits 2050, Johannesburg, South Africa

Abstract

South Africa has the largest population of people living with HIV globally and is associated with high population mobility. The majority of migrants move in search of improved livelihood opportunities, and many who migrate (both internally and across borders) move into urban areas, often through peripheral informal settlements where HIV prevalence is shown to be double that of urban formal areas. While the relationship between migration and the spread of HIV is acknowledged as complex, the context of migration may place individuals at increased risk for acquiring HIV. Studies have demonstrated the long-wave impact of HIV and AIDS on livelihood activities and, more recently, on patterns of migration. Many migrants engage in livelihood strategies situated within the urban 'informal economy'; these informal workplaces are often overlooked in global and national legislation governing workplace responses to health and HIV and AIDS. This study draws on existing research and limited primary data to explore the implications of HIV/AIDS programming for diverse migrant groups labouring in informal workplaces in Johannesburg, South Africa. We describe three case studies: waste-pickers at a dumpsite in a peripheral urban informal settlement; barmen and cleaners working in inner-city hotels where sex is also sold; and, migrants engaged in informal livelihood activities who are also members of burial societies. Given the importance of varied informal livelihood activities for diverse migrant groups, particularly in urban areas of South Africa, we propose that the national HIV/AIDS response can and should engage with internal and cross-border migrants in informal workplaces - which is in line with the principle of universal access and will strengthen the national response. Especially, we point out the potential for burial societies to provide an entry point for HIV/AIDS programming that targets migrant groups involved in the informal economy of South African cities. Copyright © NISC (Pty) Ltd.

Author Keywords

Sex work Informal sector Migrants Burial societies Health labour migration Economy Urban poverty

Index Keywords

urban area posthumous care Human immunodeficiency virus infection human economic aspect Urbanization South Africa health program sanitation migrant worker workplace male occupation female population research prostitution Article migration acquired immune deficiency syndrome

Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84863216433&doi=10.2989%2f16085906.2011.637741&partnerID=40&md5=0c26d7147d3944fc26e48c8e6fd7c604

DOI: 10.2989/16085906.2011.637741
ISSN: 16085906
Cited by: 22
Original Language: English