Challenging the Challenger. Understanding and expanding the response of Universities in Africa to HIV/AIDS

The failure of many African universities to recognize and confront the HIV/AIDS crisis on their campuses means the loss of hard-won development gains and crippling prospects for the future. This report eloquently documents this "conspiracy of silence." It draws upon the results of 7 case studies of universities in 6 countries: Benin, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, South Africa, and Zambia. It seeks to understand how the disease is affecting African universities and to identify responses and coping mechanisms that might usefully be shared with sister institutions in similar circumstances. The report closes by outlining a two-pronged strategy for African universities to consider in shaping their own responses to HIV/AIDS.