HIV/AIDS Crisis (05:47)

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South Africa has more people with HIV/AIDS than any other country; nearly 2,000 new infections occur every day. The South African president does not believe that HIV causes AIDS, so little is done to help the crisis. Mandla lost his job because of complications from his HIV status.

Treating HIV/AIDS (04:12)

Dr. D.D. Pupuma diagnoses someone with HIV nearly every day at his practice near Johannesburg. Anti-HIV drugs are expensive and difficult to find in South Africa. President Thabo Mbeki denies that HIV causes AIDS and refuses to offer assistance.

Poverty and HIV/AIDS (03:41)

Mandla died leaving behind his wife and two young children. Mbeki believes the country's poverty level, which was mostly caused by the apartheid system, is responsible for AIDS.

Migrant Labor and HIV/AIDS (06:13)

Many black South Africans are economically dependent on the mining system, which was established under apartheid. Many men unknowingly contract HIV from sex workers and bring it back to their communities. Volunteer caregivers travel throughout the country to help terminally ill patients.

Drug Companies and HIV/AIDS (04:51)

Drugs that are readily available in other countries are extremely expensive in South Africa. Treatment Action Campaign helps educate people on health issues and urges the government to provide assistance.

HIV Tests (08:01)

Many South Africans are scared to take the test, knowing they cannot afford treatment. Mbeki refuses the test, believing scientific dissents who think there needs to be more research into the cause of AIDS. Drug studies are a common way for HIV-positive people to get treatment.

Misinformation and HIV/AIDS (06:29)

Mbeki believes drugs to treat HIV are more toxic than the disease. Activists are working to counter the government's propaganda. Treatment Action Campaign brought in banned generic versions of treatment drugs, which helped loosen restrictions.

Disclosure and HIV/AIDS (08:31)

Many people with HIV do not disclose their status out of fear of rejection and violence. Those on treatment sometimes hide their condition out of shame.

Spreading HIV/AIDS (07:54)

Behavior in South Africa continues the spread of HIV. Many people do not use condoms because Mbeki says HIV does not cause AIDS. His statements hinder numerous prevention and treatment measures.

Parenting with HIV/AIDS (05:29)

A HIV-positive mother's condition deteriorates as her daughter's conditions improves. An HIV-positive woman gives birth and waits to see if her child has HIV.

HIV/AIDS Conference (06:30)

The 2000 HIV/AIDS conference occurs in South Africa, despite thousands boycotting the event. Mbeki gives a speech, stating that poverty, instead of HIV, causes AIDS.

HIV/AIDS Ethics (07:45)

The government refuses to accept free antiviral treatments to prevent mother-to-child transmission. Activists threaten to take the government to court for ethical violations. Mbeki's spokesperson died of what many believe was AIDS, but the government would not confirm.

Death from HIV/AIDS (06:20)

An AIDS activist's brother hid his HIV status because of the stigma and died of AIDS. AIDS activists organize protests to encourage the government to change its policy on the disease.

Credits: State of Denial (00:58)

Credits: State of Denial