The South African disability grant: Influence on HIV treatment outcomes and household well-being in KwaZulu-Natal |
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| Authors: | Lucia Knight Victoria Hosegood Ian M Timæus |
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| Affiliation: | 1. HIV/AIDS, STI and TB Unit , Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) , Durban , South Africa lknight@hsrc.ac.za;3. Faculty of Social Sciences , University of Southampton and Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, University of KwaZulu-Natal , Mtubatuba , South Africa;4. Department of Population Health , London School of Hygiene &5. Tropical Medicine , London , UK |
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| Abstract: | This paper explores the implications of the disability grant for household members' well-being and adults' success on ART (antiretroviral therapy). It uses case studies based on data from an in-depth qualitative study of 10 households in KwaZulu-Natal. Receipt of the disability grant ensured that the basic needs of the HIV-infected adult could be met by other household members, especially when the grant was received when the person first met the qualifying criteria and in conjunction with ART. Where treatment was effective, HIV-infected adults were able to make substantial contributions to the well-being of other members in addition to the financial support provided by the grant itself. Thus, early access to financial support in conjunction with commencing ART may lead to improved health outcomes and reduce poverty and vulnerability associated with illness in poor households. This synergistic relationship between social welfare and treatment may in turn contribute to greater cost-efficiency. |
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| Keywords: | antiretroviral therapy disability grant HIV/AIDS KwaZulu-Natal social security systems |
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