Inspire: HIV and Gender

Overview

This week we are going to investigate how gender issues complicate the social and economic impact of HIV pandemic as well as the medical treatment of the disease.  Framing our research is the question,"How does gender impact the way HIV is  perceived and treated around the world?"

There are many issues to explore within this broad research topic.  You are encouraged to explore the topic and dive into any facet that interests.  Among the related topics, you will find resources on:

1. How physical differences make women more vulnerable to HIV infection?
2. How social and economic norms make women more vulnerable to HIV infection?
3. How the global COVID-19 pandemic impacted people living with HIV?
   1. How the COVID pandemic impacted efforts to reduce global HIV transmission rates?
4. How community-based interventions address gender dynamics in affected countries?
5. How  gender impacts  global HIV testing and treatment intiatives? How does this put men in African countries at greater risk of AIDS-related death?
6. How  HIV impacts reproductive rights for women living with HIV?  What can be done to support the desires and rights of PLHIV to have children?

Let your interest steer your interest as you explore this topic.

Be Inspired!

The HIV pandemic has been with us for over 30 years.  Early in the pandemic, there were no treatments that could save a person's life.  A diagnosis of HIV was a death sentence.  Millions died all over the world.  Over the last decades, however, new treatments for the virus have offered hope to millions around the world.  Yet, significant disparities between developed and developing countries persist, as social economic, cultural and political factor present on-going challenges in getting medication to those most in need.  View the video below and get inspired to dive into research concerning HIV and in particular, how gender impacts perception of the disease, policy and treatment.

View the video below and then answer to self-check quiz questions that follow.

CBS News. "Millions of people living with HIV now have the therapy they need."