Dynamics of Awareness and Prevention in HIV / AIDS Policymaking Essay

Total Length: 820 words ( 3 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 3

Page 1 of 3

Rates and Preventative HIV / AIDS Policy: A Disconnect in African Countries

The primary focus of research in HIV / AIDS has been on the disease itself: transmission, prevalence, prevention, treatment, etc. (Aldashev & Baland, 2013). The responses to the HIV / AIDS academic have varied widely and are not intuitive, showing no logical patterns with regard to prevention policies and prevalence (Aldashev & Baland, 2013). That is to say that high prevalence rates in regions or nations do not trigger more aggressive policies. A key example of this phenomenon can be seen in Senegal's response to early proactive education programs for AIDS prevention that was completely out of proportion to its very low prevalence rate of 1% of the population of Senegal in 2003 (Aldashev & Baland, 2013). In comparison, Swaziland and Zimbabwe, countries that experienced extremely high prevalence rates of 24.6% in 2003 and 42.6%, respectively, exhibited limited public agency responses to the HIV/AID epidemic (Patterson, 2006).

Interestingly, the AIDS Program Effort Index (API) shows that in those countries with the highest rates of prevalence -- defined as over 10% of the population -- the prevalence rates among adults 15 to 49 years of age in 2003 showed a lower API score on average than do countries that exhibit the lowest rates of prevalence (Aldashev & Baland, 2013).

Stuck Writing Your "Dynamics of Awareness and Prevention in HIV / AIDS Policymaking" Essay?

Survey data for the API come from USAID, UNAIDS, and WHO as a tool for national governments battling the HIV / AIDS epidemic to gauge prevalence trends (Aldashev & Baland, 2013). In concert with this dynamic, the research shows that there is no demonstrable relationship between the prevalence of HIV / AIDS and public support for prioritzing effective prevention policies (Aldashev & Baland, 2013). The logical conclusion is that the elctorates in these countries do not consider battling HIV / AIDS as political priority (Aldashev & Baland, 2013). Moreover, the evolution of HIV / AIDS policies over time do not correspond to the variance in prevalence trends. Substantive changes in the policies are exacted with little apparent regard for the need for a coherent long-term disease reduction plan. A solid example of this policy problem is seen in Uganda where active prevention policies were enacted early in the epidemic: a successful campaign to prevent the disease was promoted by President Museveni in 1986.

The memorable slogan was Abstain, Be faithful, use Condums (ABC) and during the 1990s, the….....

Show More ⇣


     Open the full completed essay and source list


OR

     Order a one-of-a-kind custom essay on this topic


sample essay writing service

Cite This Resource:

Latest APA Format (6th edition)

Copy Reference
"Dynamics Of Awareness And Prevention In HIV AIDS Policymaking" (2015, April 14) Retrieved May 19, 2024, from
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/dynamics-awareness-prevention-hiv-aids-2150514

Latest MLA Format (8th edition)

Copy Reference
"Dynamics Of Awareness And Prevention In HIV AIDS Policymaking" 14 April 2015. Web.19 May. 2024. <
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/dynamics-awareness-prevention-hiv-aids-2150514>

Latest Chicago Format (16th edition)

Copy Reference
"Dynamics Of Awareness And Prevention In HIV AIDS Policymaking", 14 April 2015, Accessed.19 May. 2024,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/dynamics-awareness-prevention-hiv-aids-2150514