Abstract

PIP: This paper reviews the 1998 Zimbabwe Human Development Report, addressing the issue of HIV/AIDS. The report cites statistics only up to 1994, despite significant changes in HIV statistics after that year. The HIV/AIDS epidemic was not associated with the economy or human development. It was not explained why HIV/AIDS is linked to the worsening morbidity and mortality levels, life expectancy, infant, child and maternal mortality rates. These omissions may be due to sheer oversight, conceptual limitations and difficulties in getting relevant HIV/AIDS and other population data. Consolidation of data sources is vital when discussing policy planning, resource allocation, program implementation, and motivating commitment of decision-makers involved in health development.