Publication: HIV/AIDS
Date
2003-10
ISSN
Published
2003-10
Author(s)
World Bank
Abstract
The epidemic spread of HIV/AIDS has been
ferocious, posing a great threat, not only to public health,
but to social sectors, and to development itself, while the
fiscal cost of HIV/AIDS is significant as well. A set of
effective prevention interventions include: changing
behavior through communication; making the use of condoms,
diagnosis, and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases,
including counseling and testing, available and affordable;
ensuring a safe blood supply; and, preventing
parent-to-child transmission. In addition, countries should
consider implementing programs to provide cost-effective
management of common opportunistic infections. Similarly,
community-based, and home-based care should be made
available, in addition to traditional hospital care,
particularly in countries with a generalized epidemic.
Lessons convey the vital need for early action, supported by
community participation, targeting the most vulnerable, and
prioritizing interventions, while governments should be
committed to its prevention, control, and funding.
Additionally, nongovernmental organizations'
participation plays a decisive role against the epidemic
spread, in their capacity for social mobilization, and in
reaching marginal groups.
Citation
“World Bank. 2003. HIV/AIDS. at a glance. © Washington, DC. http://openknowledge.worldbank.org/entities/publication/ff49ba56-ee7e-5b9f-873d-ec12246d98fa License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”