Aids in Africa: an economic perspective
Citation
Marron, JoAnn. (1991). Aids in Africa: an economic perspective. -- In Lambda Alpha Journal, v.22, p.4-22.
Abstract
The global Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) pandemic has had severe
economic ramifications for some countries in Africa. Third World countries have scarce
resources to devote to AIDS education or treatment, and they have other health and development
concerns which need funding. A large proportion of the labor force is infected with the HIV
virus, which will have negative consequences for the economy when these people become ill and
are no longer a part of the work force (Sebatier 1987). Many of the urban elite are infected with
HIV; these are the people who are considered to be the leaders of the next generation. The
stigma and fear attached to AIDS may prevent foreign corporations from investing in Africa and
could cause a decline in tourism, which is a major factor in economies of some countries.
According to a report by the Panos Institute, an international research and information
organization based in London, "The survival of whole industries and national economies may be
at stake" (Mallet 1987:53). The countries most seriously affected are those of Central and
Eastern Africa, so this paper will mainly address them; however, special concerns of South
Africa and parts of West Africa will be mentioned as well.