| Diane Moody, expert on southern Africa, argues that the Red Cross and other humanitarian organisations must re-think their response to crises in the region due to the HIV pandemic.
Although the people of southern Africa have been living with some of the highest HIV-infection rates in the world for over ten years, the 2002-2003 food crisis highlighted the complex interaction between HIV, food shortages and humanitarian action.
 |  | The situation in southern Africa has challenged the humanitarian world to start examining the implications of HIV in emergencies. |  | | | | |
The situation in southern Africa has challenged the humanitarian world to start examining the implications of HIV in emergencies. The long-term effects of HIV means that in times of crisis, existing approaches to humanitarian aid may not be as appropriate.
That HIV is a contributing factor to vulnerability and influences the outcome of a crisis, is the basis from which the concept of "the new variant famine" has been developed. This concept maintains that HIV increases the risk of mortality in emergencies by undermining people’s ability to cope and increasing the risk of further illnesses. Moreover, the disease heightens vulnerability to such a high level, that recovery to a "normal" level is not achievable, even when the crisis subsides.
Recognising the effects of HIV during the food crisis in southern Africa was key in the Red Cross' response between 2002 and 2003. People living with HIV in the five most vulnerable countries in the region were given an "adapted basket of food", which covered their nutritional needs.
It is difficult to measure what impact HIV has on a crisis when these countries also suffer from poor governance and economies and unpredictable weather. But it is essential that the Red Cross and other humanitarian organisations develop a greater understanding of HIV and that they continue to examine different ways to respond. The issue of HIV should always be addressed where there is a debate about food assistance and vice versa.
When HIV has infected almost one in four of the adult population in southern Africa, and is undoubtedly causing vulnerability, suffering and death, then how can it not be at the core of the humanitarian agenda? | 
