Open AccessHIV/AIDS, conflict and security in Africa: rethinking relationships
Author(s) -
Becker Joseph U,
Theodosis Christian,
Kulkarni Rick
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
journal of the international aids society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.724
H-Index - 62
ISSN - 1758-2652
DOI - 10.1186/1758-2652-11-3
Subject(s) - transmission (telecommunications) , development economics , medicine , population , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , economic growth , human security , state (computer science) , refugee , political science , criminology , environmental health , immunology , sociology , economics , law , algorithm , computer science , electrical engineering , engineering
The effect of conflict on HIV transmission and regional and global security has been the subject of much recent discussion and debate. Many long held assumptions regarding these relationships are being reconsidered. Conflict has long been assumed to contribute significantly to the spread of HIV infection. However, new research is casting doubt on this assumption. Studies from Africa suggest that conflict does not necessarily predispose to HIV transmission and indeed, there is evidence to suggest that recovery in the “post‐conflict” state is potentially dangerous from the standpoint of HIV transmission. As well, refugee populations have been previously considered as highly infected vectors of HIV transmission. But in light of new investigation this belief is also being reconsidered. There has additionally been concern that high rates of HIV infection among many of the militaries of sub‐Saharan Africa poses a threat to regional security. However, data is lacking on both dramatically elevated prevalence amongst soldiers and a possible negative effect on regional security. Nevertheless, HIV/AIDS remain a serious threat to population health and economic well being in this region. These issues are of vital importance for HIV programming and health sector development in conflict and “post‐conflict” societies and will constitute formidable challenges to the international community. Further research is required to better inform the discussion of HIV, conflict, and security in sub‐Saharan Africa.