The HIV/AIDS Epidemic and Poverty: A Human Perspective

Abstract

The three countries (Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Jamaica) bear testamony to the importance of the health system and provided real world examples of how the AIDS epidemic exploits a nation’s shortcomings on a variety of levels. The heartening part of the story is that all three nations seem to realize the important role of the health system and are making the requisite adjustments. Some countries, like Costa Rica, are further down this road and serve as a good example for other nations to follow. El Salvador and Jamaica are significantly poorer nations and so may progress more slowly, but they nevertheless demonstrate a true understanding of the epidemic and the requirements of an effective response. What remains to be seen is if there is a genuine political will and commitment by the health systems to confront and successfully address this most daunting phenomenon. [From Conclusion]