CASE NOTES

Abstract

Clearly, one of the greatest challenges that faces sub–Saharan Africa is the AIDS pandemic. The Human Immuno–Deficiency Virus (HIV), which causes AIDS, continues to spread at an alarming rate. In South Africa the statistics relating to the AIDS disease are staggering. With the greatest impact on the young and economically active population, it is estimated that without firm action, it will be an epidemic of catastrophic proportions, which will break up the foundations of socio–economic life. Against this background, the need for combative measures and strategies to deal with the problem is not in doubt. Civil society groups have taken an active interest in this issue and some, like Treatment Action Campaign (TAC), have conducted campaigns for access to quality health services. Recently, the Constitutional Court of South Africa was faced with an important case involving AIDS, pitting civil society groups on one side and the government of South Africa on the other. At the centre of the dispute was the South African government's response and policy towards combating the spread of the disease through mother–to–child transmission at birth.