The social determinants focused on by the readings are cultural and societal norms, beliefs and values. The main behaviors discussed include sex work and harm reduction and injection drug use. Based on the readings, injection drug use is considered as one of the leading causes of increased incidence of HIV. Thus, it is considered as the main target of different programs and projects which aim to reduce the harm associated with drug use and HIV. Despite this knowledge, the incidence of HIV remains high because of the inadequate funding and low availability of clean and unused needles and syringes. On the other hand, sex work can be seen from various views based on societal norms. Sex workers are considered to be at high risk of acquiring the infection due to their inability to demand for safer sex.
Since several studies (World Health Organization, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, 2009) have identified injection drug use as one of the contributing factors to the increasing incidence of HIV, it is a great step that the harm reduction programs and projects have been directed towards these mode of transmission. Also, it is beneficial that studies are focused on sex work too which has been a growing concern over the years. To greatly reduce the global incidence, I definitely agree that the mode of transmission which are considered to be the greatest contributors to the growing incidence should be targeted first. However, it is also important for health institutions and organizations to educate the individuals who are at-risk for acquiring the infection so that they are fully aware of the possible consequences linked with risky behaviors. Fortunately, there are different organizations and partnerships who are willing to research and work on HIV and the various social determinants linked to it (UNAIDS, 2010). Thus, it can be said that appropriate measures and steps are being taken by the organizations to combat HIV.
References
UNAIDS. (2010). Social norms and collective behavior: How education needs to transform to better contribute to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support. New York, USA: UNAIDS.
World Health Organization, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS. (2009). Technical Guide for countries to set targets for universal access to HIV prevention, treatment and care for injecting drug users. Geneva, Switzerland: WHO Press.
