AIDS in Africa: How the Poor are Dying

by Nana K. Poku, Gareth Schott

Across Africa, HIV/AIDS is slowly killing millions of people in the prime of their lives, weakening state structures, deepening poverty and reversing the gains in life expectancy achieved over the past century. Although many who study the dynamics of Africas AIDS crisis accept that, to some degree, its entrenchment is a socially produced phenomenon, few have examined how the course and intensity of the epidemic have been affected by the continents ubiquitous poverty, the impact of the pervasive structural adjustment programmes or Africas marginalization in the process of globalization until now. This book explores the socio-economic context of Africas vulnerability to HIV/AIDS as well as assessing the politics of domestic and global response. Using primary and secondary data, it charts the power relations driving Africas HIV/AIDS epidemic, frustrating the possibility of alleviation and recovery as well as working to relegate the continent to a bleak and vulnerable future. In this sense, the book marks a radical departure by providing a comprehensive analysis of Africas vulnerability to AIDS and the challenges confronting policy makers as they seek to reverse its escalating prevalence on the continent. AIDS in Africa is an immensely valuable introduction to the greatest pandemic facing the world today.

Genres: Africa

240 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2005

Reviews

[Debs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. The greatest thing about it is that it places the epidemic within the context of factors (social, economical, global, political, etc) which is something that is not often done. Instead of looking at AIDS in isolation, it examines how these factors contribute to the problem and how they hinder response. It's incredibly readable, and the excellent graphs and charts really help communicate the cold, hard facts. I'd recommend it to anyone interested in tackling this topic.

[Chami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book on Afric's HIV/AIDS epidemic. Provide comprehensive analysis epidemiological, structural, social and economic factors that fuel the epidemic in Africa. Good read for anyone who is interested in Africa and HIV/AIDS

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book but now very dated