Gender Poverty And HIV And AIDS

Abstract

The impact of gender on HIV/AIDS is an important dimension in understanding the evolution of the epidemic. Gender inequality and discrimination against women has affected the course of the HIV epidemic.HIV/AIDS is the major threat to development, economic growth and poverty alleviation. The paper explores how poverty increases the spread of HIV and AIDS. It is important look beyond monetary poverty to understand these relationships. This paper outlines the biological, social and cultural determinants that put women and adolescent girls at greater risk of HIV infection than men. Violence against women or the threat of violence often increases women's vulnerability to HIV/AIDS. An analysis of the impact of gender on HIV/AIDS demonstrates the importance of integrating gender into HIV programming and finding ways to strengthen women by implementing policies and programs that increase their access to education and information. Women's empowerment is vital to reversing the epidemic.