Published online by Cambridge University Press: 11 November 2008
Drawing on a twenty-year study, we examine the effects of HIV-related illness and death on villagers in Malawi during 2006. Contrary to unidimensional images of an AIDS disaster, we found people striving for normality – trying to control the abnormal circumstances of the rising toll of HIV-related illness and death. Just over 40% of the sample households had experienced at least one death (certainly or probably) related to HIV, but only about 10% were found to be suffering acute or serious livelihood stress due to HIV deaths. The ability to deal with illness and death depended on households' pre-existing characteristics, particularly income level, and, critically, on their placement in the extended matrilineal family. But increasing pressures on an already severely stressed population, and failure of the current ‘community-based’ approach to deliver needed help, argue for more concerted efforts to link the HIV epidemic to broader-based development.
Our deepest thanks go to the families who have been so helpful and hospitable during the years of research. Thanks also to the Centre for Social Research, University of Malawi; our assistants Davie Chimwaza, Francis Chingwalu, Noel Mbuluma, Diana Muwa, Gertrude Songo; data analysts Lucie Heinzerling, Marie Javdani, Ann Laudati, Vishal Gujadhur; our funders Fulbright-Hayes, RENEWAL, Kennedy School, University of Oregon; and the JMAS reviewers for helpful comments for revision.
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