HIV/AIDS AND GLOBALIZATION

HIV/AIDS and Globalization



HIV/AIDS and Globalization

Introduction

There is a rapidly growing body of literature on the topic of globalization and its implications for human health.Globalization can be defined as an array of processes that are modifying the nature of humans' interactions across spatial, temporal and cognitive boundaries. In words of McBride and Wiseman (2000) globalization 'involves a range of contradictory and contested processes which provide new possibilities as well as threats to communities concerned with promoting relationships of diversity, solidarity and sustainability' (CIA, 2005). This paper discusses HIV/AIDS and globalization in a concise and comprehensive way.

How Globalization Has Influenced/Challenged Health and Wellbeing: A Comprehensive Reflection

Globalization has an impact on four key areas of public health: in reshaping the broad determinants of health, health status and outcomes, and healthcare financing and service provision. In the last few years there has been a growing body of literature on the importance of globalization for health. In this regard, several researchers have developed frameworks that delineate the pathways between globalization and health. One of the most comprehensive frameworks provided by David Woodward and colleagues at the World Health Organization (WHO) illustrates a conceptual framework for systematically analysing and assessing the health effects of globalization. Woodward et al. (2001) contend that economic globalization has been the fundamental driving force behind the overall process of globalization over the last two decades (CIA, 2005).

Based on their model several driving and constraining forces influence economic globalization; including technological advances, political powers, economic pressures, changing ideas and increasing social and environmental concerns. Further, this framework highlights five main pathways from globalization to health which have a circular relationship. The three direct channels are the effect of globalization on health systems and policies; through world markets (DeNavas, Proctor and Mills, 2004); and the effects on population level health influences. Examples of these direct influences are the regulation of the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), the effects of the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPs) on pharmaceutical prices and mutual vulnerability to international transfer of risks such as infectious diseases, unregulated distribution of drugs or unhealthy lifestyles marketing. In their framework Woodward et al (DeNavas, Proctor and Mills, 2004). speculate that the indirect influences of globalization operate through national economies and policies on the health sector and population risks. These indirect influences include the effects of globalization on fiscal constraints, on the availability of resources for public expenditure (Corbett, et al, 2003), on health and on livelihoods and income distribution. Woodward and his colleagues hope that this framework would serve as a basis for synthesizing existing relevant research, identifying gaps in knowledge and ultimately developing national and international policies that would benefit health.

Global Income and Health Disparities

Economic growth and the dissemination of technology innovations and human rights values have enhanced life expectancy and quality of living worldwide. Increased literacy rates, socio-economic change, improved nutrition, infectious diseases control and public health initiatives have all contributed to the improvement of basic health ...