The challenge posed by the AIDS epidemic to the well-being and development of humanity is so enormous that it cannot be reduced to a mere technical or medical fact: the answer will need to be part of a global strategy, of a transnational policy aiming to protect the rights of the individual.

ABSTRACT: "The greater the disparity and stratification" in society, the more AIDS develops. Thus, the impact of the HIV epidemic in developing countries should be seen in the context of the socio-economic problems of those countries: poverty, etc. Such conditions provide a breeding ground for the spread of the epidemic and its consequences. The "challenge" posed by the AIDS epidemic to the development of humanity calls for "complementary, coordinated, sustainable and transnational" interventions.

(1994 - IL QUOTIDIANO RADICALE - 8 December 1993)

When speaking about AIDS, the first factor that must be taken into account is the disparity in the distribution of wealth, power and autonomy. The greater the disparity and stratification in society, the faster the virus will spread. In this case, both the rich and the poor will have higher chances of being infected.

The rich or the powerful do not reside in one place, are less bound to the rules of the community and can afford the sort of life-style they wish, which often places them at risk. On the other hand, the poor are not in the condition to make choices relative to their lives. Often they must work far from home and their families; especially in Africa, their health is at risk and their nutritional level insufficient.

That is why the impact of the HIV epidemic in developing countries can be understood only in the context of the serious economic and social problems that plague that country: poverty, famines, inadequate medical treatment and hospital facilities, subordination of women, etc.

These factors can be a breeding ground for the devastating consequences of the epidemic. Economic dependency multiplies the risk of transmission of the virus, and people, especially women, are unable to protect themselves against the infection. Unfair power structures, the absence of legal protection as well as inadequate medical and nutritional standards aggravate the diffusion of the virus, and speed up the transition from the condition of HIV+ to AIDS and worsen the condition of those who are affected by the epidemic.

There follows that not only the epidemic must be addressed with the help of serious aid programmes, but that it is necessary to bear in mind that its consequences reflect themselves on the array of development initiatives which in turn must be re-considered (several international bodies have carried out highly accurate surveys on the economic damage of AIDS).

The gap between the growing rhythm of the pandemic and the tardy reaction of the states and of the international community is quickly and dangerously widening; the challenge posed by the epidemic on the well-being and development of humanity is so huge that complementary, coordinated, sustainable and transnational actions are essential and urgent.