To him, it makes sense to blame AIDS on poverty rather than the HIV virus. Unfortunately, it is an empty argument. The transmission of the HIV virus is preventable, but it takes strong education programs. In Africa, some of this education runs counter to traditional sexual practices and gender roles. Yet Uganda and Senegal have proved it is possible to bring about change with their increasingly successful prevention programs.
Prevention is essential.
Medical care is a more difficult problem. HIV and AIDS are extremely expensive diseases to treat and stabilize. The escalating number of deaths is as devastating as war. Poor nations can't afford to purchase medical supplies for the indigent and Western pharmaceutical companies are reluctant to supply huge quantities of anti-AIDS drugs for less than it costs to make them. It is the first great dilemma of the new millennium.