Emotional, Social and Economic Impacts of HIV and AIDS - A.J.

HIV and AIDS not only affects the health of an individual, it also impacts households, communities and the development and economic growth of nations.

Being HIV positive has had a profound impact on my psychosocial aspect of life, particularly interacting with others. I’ve felt lonely, there was disruption of family and peer relationships. I’ve felt stigmatized. My family underwent social stigma, secrecy and the fear of possibility that other family members may have been infected with HIV, especially my children. 

HIV and AIDS affects economic growth of a community by reducing the availability of human capital. Without proper prevention, nutrition, healthcare and medicine accessibility, large populations with HIV and AIDS become unproductive and lack independence, increasing the dependant population and making life harder and the economy strained. Whenever I am sick, I can barely help or support myself, I depend on my family and friends for support. 

HIV and AIDS has a greater impact to the country economy by reducing labour supply and having high labour costs. There is disrupted production and poorer services, loss of managers and experienced staff. There is lower morale, productivity and reduced profits. 

In summary, HIV and AIDS is a major challenge to economic and social development, putting pressure on public services and essential supplies, distorting markets, discouraging investment, reducing the tax base and slowing economic growth. Loss of skilled and experienced staff threatens businesses and essential services such as education and healthcare and even food production. It also undermines formal transfer of skills to the next generation.  

Let you and me stay healthy, productive and prevent negative social, emotional and economic impacts on ourselves, community and country.  

A.J.’s note: HIV and AIDS is not a crime.