Until a decade ago, the HIV / AIDS problem was not given the attention it needed with regard to its rapid spread in South Africa. South Africa has been judged as the epicentre of the world's AIDS explosion - but yet life seems to move on casually with most people thinking it will not happen to them. The irony of the situation is that the disease is being spread by those that are unaware of their HIV status. In this case Ignorance is not Bliss. This is an extremely unfortunate attitude because if this transmission rate continues a large number of families will be directly involved with someone who has the disease.
These shocking graphs shows how the number of South Africans who die before they reach the age of 50 almost doubled over the past 10 years - an increase attributed directly to HIV/AIDS.
These figures prove that South Africa is taking a devastating toll among South Africa's most economically productive citizens - those aged between 15 and 49 - with more men between 35 and 40 dying.
People aged between 15 and 49 form the most productive section of the South African economy and pay the bulk of the taxes.