Global Burden of HIV/AIDS

Beginning with the observation that AIDS has a tendency to invade subpopulations within a nation that are the most marginalized, this chapter provides case examples of the epidemic within five different nations. Specifically, the authors discuss Lesotho, the United Kingdom, Thailand, Ukraine, and India. The chapter characterizes the vast differences that exist across the national HIV epidemics that comprise the AIDS pandemic. The authors examine specific vulnerable populations, such as sex workers, intravenous drug users, transgendered people, and men who have sex with other men. They also discuss the role of social conditions and social norms, such as women’s rights, not only in the spread of but also the treatment of HIV.