Breaking Out of the AIDS and Disease Crisis

Abstract

We will examine Malawi’s attempts to prevent transmission of HIV by traditional measures (information, education and communication, behaviour change and condom promotion). We will show that, despite these interventions, infection rates remain stubbornly high. The reason is that, in Malawi as elsewhere, the fight against AIDS is too narrowly focused and ignores the broader societal drivers of the pandemic (which include poverty, poor nutrition, exploitation of vulnerable children, and gender inequality). We will also examine Malawi’s attempts to mitigate the impact of the pandemic. The data will show that, despite heroic efforts, human and financial limitations mean that the country is reacting to the health and AIDS crisis, rather than breaking out of the pandemic.