Women and AIDS in developing countries

Abstract

It is estimated that 8-10 million people worldwide are infected with HIV, the virus causing AIDS; a large proportion live in developing countries. A review of the recent literature reveals that the impact of HIV/AIDS is particularly great on women in developing countries for four reasons. (1) Stereotypes related to HIV/AIDS have meant that women are either blamed for their spread or not recognized as potential patients with the disease. The consequences can be: delayed diagnosis and treatment, stigmatization, loss of income and violations of human rights. (2) Women are at increased risk of exposure to HIV infection for reasons related indirectly and directly to their gender. (3) The psychological and social burdens are greater for women than men in a similar situation. These include: problems related to pregnancy and motherhood; rejection as marital partners, loss of security and income (if they or their partners are seropositive); and greater demands to cope with the effects of the epidemic, both as lay persons and professionals. (4) Women's frequently low socioeconomic status and lack of power make it difficult for them to undertake prevention measures. Prevention programs targeting sex workers have begun and need to be continued. However, more programs are needed for women in general, including older women, men, traditional health practitioners and opinion leaders, incorporating seropositive women wherever possible. In addition, HIV/AIDS-related research regarding women must be increased as well as their access to adequate health services and income-earning opportunities.