[AIDS: a cause and consequence of poverty].
The widespread consequences of the HIV/AIDS pandemic are well known; besides the obvious reduction in life expectancy, the epidemic has caused a decrease in economic productivity that has in turn affected entire sectors of society, including agricultural and educational fields. There is a tendency to associate HIV/AIDS with poverty. In other words, an increase in the poverty rate correlates with an increase in the probability of HIV/AIDS. This would seem to suggest that if the conditions of society could be improved, the spread of new infections could be checked. Although this may sound attractive, and may even be thought necessary and just, it would be a mistake to consider that a reduction in poverty is sufficient to prevent HIV/AIDS. HIV/AIDS is not necessarily, nor exclusively, " an infection and a disease of the poor. " Indeed, people with high economic and educational status have also been linked with a higher risk of developing HIV/AIDS. Prevention should be emphasized, taking into consideration that if this approach is to work there should be a change in current sexual behaviour. In order of priority, teenagers should be recommended to delay having sex. Partners should form a relationship based on trust and faithfulness. Lastly, those who do not accept these preventive measures should be advised that the use of condoms may "reduce risks" but not eliminate completely the spread of the disease. All of these preventive measures have been demonstrated as key aspects in the fight against HIV/AIDS in several countries. No country has been able to reduce the prevalence of HIV/AIDS relying solely on the promotion of condoms.
de Irala Estevez
Jokin
J
Dpto. Medicina Preventiva y Salud Pública, Universidad de Navarra C/ Irunlarrea 1, 31080 Pamplona. jdeirala@unav.es
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D011203:Poverty