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Emerging and concentrated HIV/AIDS epidemics and windows of opportunity: prevention and policy pitfalls

Understanding Emerging Epidemics: Social and Political Approaches

ISBN: 978-1-84855-080-3, eISBN: 978-1-84855-081-0

Publication date: 21 April 2010

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this chapter is to use the particulars of a single case study (Vietnam) to underscore common pitfalls that several governments have made during the emerging and concentrated stages in their policy responses to the HIV/AIDS epidemic and to underscore much needed actions in the HIV/AIDS prevention realm.

Methods – Literature syntheses, policy reports, interviews with in-country stakeholders, and a case study approach are used to explore key issues regarding common government missteps at the concentrated epidemic phase.

Findings – These include coverage of the history of social ills in the country and how these intersect with – first, myths about the spread of HIV within a given region; second, inadequate intervention with high-risk groups and lack of consideration of the ways in which high-risk groups interact with the general population (neglect of bridge populations); and third, poor emphasis on women and young women, who are disproportionately affected by key epidemic transitions, particularly the transition from emerging to the concentrated epidemic phase.

Contribution to the field – Documenting policy lessons in emerging and concentrated epidemics is urgent and can assist within and across nations to help control the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Citation

Dworkin, S.L. (2010), "Emerging and concentrated HIV/AIDS epidemics and windows of opportunity: prevention and policy pitfalls", Mukherjea, A. (Ed.) Understanding Emerging Epidemics: Social and Political Approaches (Advances in Medical Sociology, Vol. 11), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 101-124. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1057-6290(2010)0000011010

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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