ART and the African Economy, Research Paper Example

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) has had a devastating impact on Africa’s economy. Because infected individuals are at an increased risk of developing opportunistic infections, the workforce suffers. With proper treatment, the negative effects of the HIV virus may be reduced. However, because of the poverty and the high cost of medicine, it is difficult for many people in Africa to receive proper treatment. The purpose of this discussion is to examine the economic impact of providing antiretroviral therapy (ART) to individuals infected with HIV in Africa.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the retrovirus which causes AIDS. The autoimmune disease is transmitted through blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk. Individuals infected with the HIV virus may not have symptoms and may unknowingly transmit the virus to others. AIDS is diagnosed when the CD4 T-cell count falls below 200 cells/mm³; yet when the CD4 T-cell count falls below 350 cells/mm³, individuals are at an increased risk for developing conditions such as shingles, Kaposi’s sarcoma, and tuberculosis.

Economic Impact of AIDS

In Africa, HIV is devastating to the economy. Individuals in the late stages of HIV may find it difficult to work. The shortage in the labor reduces overall productivity and income, while increasing poverty, the default rate on debt repayments, and the need for public assistance. Households with infected individuals must compensate for the lost income. The costs of funerals and end-of-life care can drive a family into poverty (Thirumurthy, Galarraga, Larson & Rosen, 2012). Children in infected households are more likely to suffer from poor nutrition and lack of schooling.

Effects of ART on the Economy

ART prevents the transmission of the HIV virus by reducing the viral load. In their 2012 review, Granich et al report that if ART was administered at a CD4 T-cell level of 350 cells/mm³ instead of 200 CD4 T-cells/mm³, 50% more people would benefit. They estimate that in the next five years, 265,000 new cases and 200,000 deaths would be prevented, and $504 million would be saved. Over a 40 year period, the new guidelines would prevent 1.4 million new cases, 2.9 million deaths, and save $3.9 billion. If the threshold was raised to 500 cells/mm³, even more would benefit; 3.3 million infections and 3.5 million deaths would be prevented, while saving $10 billion over the next 40 years.

Employers can make ART available to their employees and help generate positive financial returns. Production would be increased and companies would not have to spend money on hiring costs and retraining new employees. Employers may be able to receive benefits such as tax exemptions for making ART available.(Thirumurthy, Galarraga, Larson & Rosen, 2012).

ART is not without drawbacks. In order for ART to be successful, there must be a 95% adherence. Anything less increases the likelihood of developing drug-resistant strains (Pelzer & Pengpid, 2013). Receiving ART can be difficult because people must find transportation to a clinic and lose time from work. However, the costs of ART are cheaper than the cost of funerals and treating opportunistic infections (Thirumurthy, Galarraga, Larson & Rosen, 2012).

Conclusion

Though AIDS is a devastating illness, infected individuals in more developed countries often have a better quality of life. ART can make the effects of HIV and AIDS more manageable. Infected individuals are able to work and contribute to the economy. The increase in production will help to improve the economy in Africa’s countries.

References

Granich, R., Kahn, J., Bennett, R., Holmes, C., Navneet, G., Serenata, C., Sabin, M., & Williams, B. (2012). Expanding ART for treatment and prevention of HIV in South Africa: Estimated cost and cost-effectiveness 2011-2050. PLOS one, 7(2), Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3278413/

Pelzer, K., & Pengpid, S. (2013). Socioeconomic factors in adherence to HIV therapy in low-and middle-income countries. Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition, 31(2), 150-170. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3702336/

Thirumurthy, H., Galarraga, O., Larson, B., & Rosen, S. (2012). HIV treatment produces economic returns through increased work and education, and warrants continued US support. Health Affairs, 31(7), 1470-1477. Retrieved from

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3728427