Back to Annual Meeting

Back to Annual Meeting

APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Evelyne Shuster, PhD, Veterans Affairs Medical Center/University of Pennsylvania, Ethics, University and Woodland Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19104, 215-823-4206, evelyn.shuster@med.va.gov

It is difficult to say anything hopeful about the AIDS pandemics and its impact on impoverished countries, particularly sub-Saharan Africa. Sustained commitments and creative actions to provide access to AIDS prevention and treatment, and secure the right to health have been lacking, despite promises and Declarations by world leaders (and others) to do just that. The lack of political will on the part of some African leaders who insist on misleading and misinforming their citizens about the cause of AIDS, and continue to ignore laws against discrimination has further aggravated an already tragic situation, discouraging most tenacious and committed partnerships formed to stem the epidemics. It has been almost impossible to transcend the initial shock over the numbers of deaths caused by AIDS in order to contemplate the reality behind them, and inspire human resolve and concrete actions rather than more slogans. Various models, including the humanitarian, military, commerce and human rights models, have been used to help create useful investments from businesses, pharmaceutical and other public/private organizations. But these have been less than effective in achieving treatment and primary care access. In this presentation I argue that unless we understand why we have failed, we will not move forward. I identify four factors which, taken together, may suggest a way to overcome key bottlenecks and ensure progress in dealing with the AIDS pandemic, and explain why I think these factors are critical. In conclusion, I propose to abandon slogans, models and metaphors for new HIV/AIDS strategies.

Learning Objectives:

• This presentation will help
• 1.Identify the various models used to engage in "fighting" the AIDS epidemics;
• 2.Assess the main factors that prevent forming trusted partnerships to help in the AIDS epidemic;
• 3.Articulate some of the roadblocks and key bottlenecks that prevent scaling up access to AIDS treatment;
• 4.Articulate new HIV/AIDS strategies

Keywords: Access to Care, International Public Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation