Breakthrough in combating HIV/AIDS?

HIV/ AIDS is a complex problem posing social, political, medical and technological challenges to humankind today, both in those countries known to be most affected and those that are less affected.

The article by Salma Maoulidi (www.pambazuka.org/en/category/comment/38636) among other things, highlights issues of access to anti-retroviral drugs for treatment of opportunistic infections among HIV infected persons. Much as she would give a thumbs up to the local pharmaceutical company which is championing local production and distribution of ARVs, it should be borne in mind that the East African Treaty on Common market is weak and rather powerless in the face of the World Trade Organisation.

Drugs are controlled by patents, and are a big business employing a huge number of people in powerful multinational companies who basically have business interests in mind. The public health approach to business is something they would not embrace. Concepts of corporate social responsibility have a long way to go before they enter the minds of multinational drug companies, which also happen to be in the forefront in manufacture and distribution of life saving drugs, including ARV’s. Therefore concerted efforts at a regional level need to take account of the WTO trade rules and regulations which are not in favour of East Africans suffering from AIDS related illnesses.

On the social front Maoulidi has challenged the patriarchal system which has increased women’s vulnerability to AIDS. There have been efforts by civil society in Tanzania to try to redress this situation, although surely it might take time but I believe their efforts are not futile. I would rather advise that such changes should begin at household level in the way we raise our children. In this way they will learn to respect their gender differences, and this attitude might be continued in their day-to-day lives and further in their sexual relations.

Lastly, I would advise readers to consult the UNESCO guidelines on the use of language related to HIV/AIDS. There are a number of new concepts that have been suggested in place of those we commonly use.