DanChurchAid
HIV/AIDS
AIDS hits poor people harder
The forces driving the epidemic are left untouched
In the fight against AIDS the focus has primarily been on the immediate causes and effects of HIV/AIDS, such as changing human sexual behaviour and pharmaceutical responses. These approaches have failed to deal with the underlying and structural causes of the epidemic.
Although advances have been made, the epidemic therefore remains out of control in big parts of the world. In order to win the fight against HIV/AIDS the effort must also be aimed towards more deep rooted cultural and socio-economical structures and practices that drives the epidemic.
| Download report |
|---|
Poverty drives the spread of HIV
One of the most important driving forces behind the spread of HIV is poverty. AIDS is not a disease of poor countries nor is it a disease of the poor people. But when wealth is concentrated in the hands of a few, and the majority is living in extreme poverty HIV unfortunately has the ideal conditions for spreading. The disease ruins millions of lives and many countries chances for development.
Greater risk
Poor people live under condition that puts them at greater risk of HIV infection. When people are so indigent that they cannot satisfy there basic needs they live for the day, and there is not room for anything else. Often they also lack basic knowledge of the disease and how it is spread, and sickness, malnutrition and bad health makes the weak more susceptible to the HIV infection.
A vicious circle
HIV/AIDS hit poor people harder. Because they are unable to work, they lose whatever low but valuable income they have. At the same time their expenses rise. And the few resources that was used for the household, food and school is diverted to medicine, care, tests and funerals. It is a vicious circle where the poverty of the already poor deepens and becomes more extensive.
A more just society
In order to win the fight against AIDS it is necessary to overcome the extreme poverty that still exist in many countries. But the report also shows that growth alone is not enough. For it to make a crucial difference it must be a growth that is focused on equality, human rights and a more just distribution of resources.
By Kirsten Marie Kristensen (
kmk@dca.dk
)
DanChurchAid Advocacy Team
Get involved!
HIV/AIDS articles
RSS feed
