This literature review and analysis of issues related to economics, HIV/AIDS, and governance, follows a similar review conducted in 2000. In the review it was noted that many gaps existed in the literature, and that there was a generally poor understanding of crucial issues that inform impact, policy and response. It is certainly a positive sign that in the development of an updated bibliography (available as a separate document), the number of texts available has almost doubled in the space of two years. While the authors of this review continue to highlight gaps, particularly in research on South Africa, it is a positive sign that social scientists are developing a closer interest in HIV/AIDS, and that funding and support for research in the area is clearly growing.

The HIV/AIDS context in South Africa is rapidly changing. In the previous review, close attention was paid to economic impacts and responses, with an emphasis on impacts. In the present review, authors have oriented their chapters much more closely to issues of economic and social development and response in relation to an epidemic that has become a firmly entrenched development issue. On the one hand, there are explorations of cost issues, direct and indirect. On the other, there is a general stock-taking of response. Both aspects are critical to understanding the way forward and, indeed, there remain critical gaps. However, it is also important to note the notion that little progress has been made and that nothing has been done. This is largely a product of difficulties in recognising tangible indicators of response. For example, a recent survey showed 75% of business have HIV/AIDS policy in place, and this is significant. The next steps are unpacking the nature of these responses and identifying the implications for planning and resource allocation.

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