The report suggests that there is a general increase in public awareness of HIV/AIDS as a political and social problem. There is, however, no basis to argue that HIV/AIDS is shaping public opinion in a consistent fashion across the Southern African region. South Africa is an exception though as statistical patterns indicate that people who suffer personal loss are more likely to prioritise HIV/AIDS in their demands on government interventions.  There is nothing, however, that suggests at this point in time that people affected by HIV/AIDS would change their choice of political party as a result of this disaffection. (ibid.: 17).

Willan notes that the high HIV/AIDS prevalence in South Africa has generated high mobilisation around the issue from civil society, as in the case of the Treatment Action Campaign (Samantha Willan, “HIV/AIDS, Democracy and Governance in South Africa”, African Civil Society Governance and Aids Initiative, Issue Brief No. 1 May 2004).

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