AIDS Research Must Link to Local Policy

Alec Moore



D. Farrell- File/AP

South Africa has been a nation riddled with turmoil on many fronts, whether it is the racially charged apartheid faced for decades or, in the case of this article, the ongoing battle with the HIV epidemic. Despite its stature as a “scientific powerhouse” and an increasingly developing political and economic system, South Africa still houses 17% of the entire AIDS ridden population. With one in every ten South Africans being struck with the disease, it seems that AIDS research has reached a plateau, mostly due to the lack of funding experienced globally. Authors Salim and Quarraisha Abdool Karim argue that the problem does not lie in scientific ability or power, rather the problem stems from a lack of local research financing. Without the proper funding from the national government and local sources, the AIDS research community in South Africa is being forced to depend on international finance and global donors, a source that is not always sustainable. Others argue that current AIDS spending is wasteful and could be better resourced elsewhere in health care budgets globally. Roger England, author of the article “Are we spending too much on HIV?” argues that far too much money is being spent on HIV research. The AIDS epidemic is a global crisis that affects all people around the world. In South Africa specifically, in order to combat South Africa’s rapidly expanding problem of HIV, the authors of “AIDS Research Must Link to Local Policy” argue that South African government increased funding and more AIDS research are the necessary steps to end this life-threatening disease. Both authors agree that HIV/AIDS is a major epidemic and needs to be conquered; however, the authors disagree on the importance and overall impact of funding AIDS research, causing a heated debate.

When speaking at the 13th international AIDS conference in Durban, South Africa, nearly ten years ago, Nelson Mandela called for action, “we must mobilize all of our resources and alliances…until this war is won.” This however, has not been the course that the South African government has followed. The authors argue that due to this increased dependence on international funding, South African scientists have been forced to shift their focus from the local tragedies to the overall problems faced on a global scale-putting a halt to the local troubles.

Opposition to this mindset of increased spending is found across the globe. Author of the article “Are we spending too much on HIV?” Roger England claims that much of the budget allotted for AIDS research is misspent for the profits of the few, imposing the question of the existence of a corrupt system. England believes that much of the money currently “wasted” in AIDS research could be allocated to other pressing causes. Such examples include prenatal illnesses and ischemic heart disease-diseases that cause more deaths in low to middle class countries than HIV. One can see the validity in England’s claims about using AIDS funding through different channels. However, one can also dispute his claims on the corruption of AIDS spending, as he lacks essential reasons behind this accusatory assertion.

The authors of “AIDS Research Must Link to Local Policy” are valiant supporters of the progression of AIDS research, and believe that the primary impediment of further progress comes from within. That is, in order to achieve more headway in the field, the country must be united for the cause. This includes everyone from state officials to the local farmer, everyone must be involved. Through more research, it has been discovered that certain “AIDS denialists” in the South African government have caused even more trouble for the progression of AIDS research. Chiefly, the theory of AIDS denialism has reached members of President Thabo Mbeki’s administration, causing a reluctance to expand funding and the distribution of antiretroviral drugs. Such ignorance and simply blatant stupidity has caused the deaths of many AIDS patients around the world. “AIDS alternatives” found on websites such as www.aliveandwell.org are one of the main causes of the research standstill and can be accredited to the reason many people afflicted with the disease are still dying without receiving the proper treatment. These alternatives are backed by Roberto Giraldo, a New York hospital technologist who served on President Mbeki’s advisory council in 2000. Mr. Giraldo is convinced that the HIV infection can be treated through a change in diet and that AIDS is caused by deficiencies in a person’s diet.

For reasons just as this, the South African HIV epidemic is still going strong, affecting a population of people plagued with the ignorant ideals of the few. For the people of South Africa’s sake, I hope that this putrid opposition to AIDS research and antiretroviral drugs is toppled. I believe, as do Salim and Quarraisha Abdool Karim, that the nation of South Africa needs to put global impact on the backburner, and home in on the local problems faced by its own population. Once South Africa has its own HIV epidemic under control, then by all means become everyone else’s hero. But for now, increase funding for your scientists, having them focus on the very issues that affect YOUR population. Your people will thank you in the long run.

Citations:
“AIDS Research Must Link to Local Policy” Salim Abdool Karim, Quarraisha Abdool Karim; Nature (11 February 2010)
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v463/n7282/full/463733a.html

“Are We Spending Too Much on HIV?” Roger England; BMJ 2007
http://www.bmj.com/content/334/7589/344.full