Since the diagnosis of the first case of HIV/AIDS in 1981, the disease continues to spread unabated with new infections reported daily. Figures provided by UNAIDS (2009) indicate that more than 60 million and 25 million people have been infected and died of the scourge respectively since 1981. In light of its omnipresent nature, the disease has and will continue to have severe repercussions on the social, political and economic development of countries around the globe. Moreover, it has an impact on the global disease burden.
Body
HIV attacks the body’s immune system and progressively weakens it such that the patient becomes prone to many diseases that he would have otherwise not suffered from. For example, HIV/AIDS has increased the prevalence of tuberculosis. Figures by UNAIDS (2009, p.2) indicate that about two-thirds of people infected with HIV also suffer from co-morbid TB. Therefore, HIV/AIDS has increased the global disease burden.
The economic impact of HIV/AIDS is felt at the global, national, regional, community and family levels as billions of shillings have been and continue to be diverted to deal with the epidemic. These funds are used in the implementation of preventive measures as well as in the treatment of patients suffering from HIV/AIDS. Economic impact has also resulted from the high rates of mortality among the people aged 15-49 who comprise the majority of the working force in all nations. In essence, it has lowered the standards of living as families devote more of their income to the care of their members suffering from HIV/AIDS. Whiteside (2006, pp.327-344) appreciates the magnitude of the economic impact of HIV/AIDS pointing out that it will be impossible to realize the millennium development goals (MDGS) which were adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2000. This will occur if the economic impact of HIV/AIDS is not factored and appropriately addressed in the development and subsequent implementation of plans to meet such goals. Therefore, the MDGS and other economic development plans will remain a mirage, envisioned bur never achieved.
Whiteside (2006) illuminates the impact of HIV/AIDS on social and human development. He argues that the disease has disintegrated the structure of the society leaving many children orphaned. He also points out that HIV/AIDS has severe ramifications on aspects of human development specifically life expectancy which it lowers , education as well as literacy levels all of which have also been lowered since many children especially in the developing world drop out of school after being orphaned by the scourge.
Political ramifications of HIV/AIDS have mainly been driven by the societal responses to the epidemic. In particular, the failure by political systems to adapt a proactive approach in the prevention and treatment of the condition has spurred many human and AIDS activists to join politics with an aim of influencing policy making processes. More importantly, the scourge has led to the redefinition of the relationships that exist between countries and their citizens, corporations as well as the civil society as they continue to seek a sustainable solution to the scourge (Densham, 2006, pp.641-645).
Conclusion
In conclusion therefore, the impact of HIV/AIDS is not limited to economic development but also touches on the rarely discussed issue of human development. Moreover, the epidemic has changed the social structures in many countries as well as increased the global disease burden. The scourge has also had political reprisals as people continue to advocate and seek for sustainable solutions.
Bibliography
1. Densham, A. (2006). Introduction: Politics as a Cause and Consequence of the AIDS Pandemic. Perspectives on Politics 4(4), 641-645.
2. UNAIDS & WHO (2009). Global Facts & Figures.
3. Whiteside, A. (2006). HIV/AIDS and development: failures of vision and imagination. International Affairs 82, (2), 327‒343.
