Hiv as a National Disaster
HIV AS A NATIONAL DISASTER AIDS has caused immense human suffering in the continent. The most obvious effect of this crisis has been illness and death, but the impact of the epidemic has certainly not been confined to the health sector; households, schools, workplaces and economies have also been badly affected.
Although access to antiretroviral treatment is starting to lessen the toll of AIDS, fewer than half of Africans who need treatment are receiving it. The impact of AIDS will remain severe for many years to come.
The impact on the health sector In all heavily affected countries the AIDS epidemic is adding additional pressure on the health sector. As the epidemic matures, the demand for care for those living with HIV rises, as does the toll of AIDS on health workers.
The effect on hospitals As the HIV prevalence of a country rises, the strain placed on its hospitals is likely to increase. In sub-Saharan Africa, people with HIV-related diseases occupy more than half of all hospital beds. Hospitals are struggling to cope, especially in poorer African countries where there are often too few beds available. This shortage results in people being admitted only in the later stages of illness, reducing their chances of recovery.
Health care workers While AIDS is causing an increased demand for health services, large numbers of healthcare professionals are being directly affected by the epidemic. Excessive workloads, poor pay and migration to richer countries are among the factors contributing to this shortage. Although the recent increase in the provision of antiretroviral drugs (which significantly delay the progression from HIV to
Although access to antiretroviral treatment is starting to lessen the toll of AIDS, fewer than half of Africans who need treatment are receiving it. The impact of AIDS will remain severe for many years to come.
The impact on the health sector In all heavily affected countries the AIDS epidemic is adding additional pressure on the health sector. As the epidemic matures, the demand for care for those living with HIV rises, as does the toll of AIDS on health workers.
The effect on hospitals As the HIV prevalence of a country rises, the strain placed on its hospitals is likely to increase. In sub-Saharan Africa, people with HIV-related diseases occupy more than half of all hospital beds. Hospitals are struggling to cope, especially in poorer African countries where there are often too few beds available. This shortage results in people being admitted only in the later stages of illness, reducing their chances of recovery.
Health care workers While AIDS is causing an increased demand for health services, large numbers of healthcare professionals are being directly affected by the epidemic. Excessive workloads, poor pay and migration to richer countries are among the factors contributing to this shortage. Although the recent increase in the provision of antiretroviral drugs (which significantly delay the progression from HIV to