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New book explores history and human impact of HIV in South Africa

Thursday 1 November 2007

A University of East London (UEL) academic has published an insightful new book exploring the impact of HIV on everyday lives in South Africa.

Corinne Squire, Professor of Social Sciences and Co-director of UEL’s internationally-renowned Centre for Narrative Research, recently conducted a three-year interview study of 37 ordinary people infected or affected by HIV in South Africa.

Her resulting book, HIV in South Africa, offers an overview of the country’s epidemic within the context of the global HIV pandemic, as well as a review of the controversial history of HIV and responses to it in South Africa.

Professor Squire said: “The main focus of my book is how people live with the HIV virus: how they find and use conventional and traditional medical treatments; how they deal with issues about their partners’ and children’s HIV status; and how they talk to their family and friends about the disease.

“Currently, we are experiencing a period in which universal HIV treatment and prevention are medically and socially possible, and politically endorsed, yet remain poorly implemented. The South African epidemic provides key insights into numerous HIV issues affecting both developed and developing countries.

“By examining the close relationship between personal accounts of living with HIV and the wider medical, religious and political representations of HIV, my book aims to shed light on the significance of class, race and gender for different individuals' experiences."

The Centre for Narrative Research is part of UEL’s School of Social Sciences, Media and Cultural Studies, rated among the leading universities in the UK for research in this area.

HIV in South Africa is published by Routledge and available in all good bookshops, as well as at amazon.co.uk and other book-selling websites (ISBN: 978-0-415-37210-7).

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For details and pictures contact Patrick Wilson: 020 8223 2061 or 07951 797 975

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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