AIDS and bereavement in South Africa

Abstract

AIDS is the leading cause of death in South Africa and attention needs to be focused on the needs of countless individuals who grieve AIDS-related deaths. Social workers must be prepared to assist those who grieve AIDS-related losses, especially children, women, and the elderly. AIDS-related bereavement must be understood in terms of the complex social, political, and economic factors inherent in South African society. Strategies are suggested for addressing AIDS-related bereavement in the local context.