Humanitarian Consequences of HIV/AIDS and the Red Cross Red Crescent Response

In: Refugee survey quarterly: reports, documentation, literature survey, Band 22, Heft 4, S. 27-34

Abstract

This keynote speech delivered at the Eighth Annual Humanitarian Conference of Webster U, Geneva, discusses the HIV/AIDS epidemic & the humanitarian response of the Red Cross. The devastating impact of HIV/AIDS on populations, particularly those in sub-Saharan Africa, affects countries' labor forces, food security, economic productivity, & educational systems. The Red Cross Red Crescent's internal response to its HIV-positive employees was the foundation for their global response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The major components of the response are combating the cultural stigma against HIV/AIDS; providing care, treatment, & support for HIV/AIDS patients; & preventing the disease through educational programs, safe blood sourcing, & outreach to injection drug users. Resources to fund these programs are critical. L. Collins