Action on AIDS - (Contributions in Medical Studies) by Barbara a Misztal & David Moss (Hardcover)

About the Book

This edited collection shows how the spread of HIV infection has been followed, represented, and managed in nine countries between 1982 and 1988. The countries cited in this study have been chosen to emphasize contrasts in the social and epidemiological profiles of AIDS, and to suggest the diversity of the problems constituted by HIV/AIDS in different national contexts. The juxtaposition of sequences of national response will raise questions about the range of policy options actually available to political and social policy-makers in a given context, and will invite further examination of the factors determining the acceptance or rejection of specific measures.

Following the introduction, which outlines the choices that national governments confront in formulating AIDS policies, the successive chapters cover the reactions to HIV/AIDS in the United States, Brazil, France, Belgium, West Germany, Italy, Poland, Australia, and Africa. The final chapter compares the patterns of national response, identifies their common and divergent features, and points out tensions in policy-making caused by current changes in the spread of infection and in the understanding of the virus. This book makes informative reading for those who want to learn more about international variation in the political, social, and economic aspects of the AIDS epidemic.

Book Synopsis

This edited collection shows how the spread of HIV infection has been followed, represented, and managed in nine countries between 1982 and 1988. The countries cited in this study have been chosen to emphasize contrasts in the social and epidemiological profiles of AIDS, and to suggest the diversity of the problems constituted by HIV/AIDS in different national contexts. The juxtaposition of sequences of national response will raise questions about the range of policy options actually available to political and social policy-makers in a given context, and will invite further examination of the factors determining the acceptance or rejection of specific measures.

Following the introduction, which outlines the choices that national governments confront in formulating AIDS policies, the successive chapters cover the reactions to HIV/AIDS in the United States, Brazil, France, Belgium, West Germany, Italy, Poland, Australia, and Africa. The final chapter compares the patterns of national response, identifies their common and divergent features, and points out tensions in policy-making caused by current changes in the spread of infection and in the understanding of the virus. This book makes informative reading for those who want to learn more about international variation in the political, social, and economic aspects of the AIDS epidemic.

Review Quotes

?During the past decade, responses to the problems constituted by HIV/AIDS have varied from one country to another. Editors Misztal and Moss (humanities, Griffith University, Australia) present the national policy responses of nine countries between 1982 and 1988. The volume begins with an introductory overview, which is followed by chapters covering the US, Brazil, France, Belgium, West Germany, Italy, Poland, Australia, and Africa. The concluding chapter provides a comparative perspective, suggesting factors to be considered in the management of AIDS. The value of this book lies in its coverage of what has been done about HIV/AIDS in different countries. This summary of the variation in international responses yields insight into the contrasting mixes of political systems and the epidemiological profiles of AIDS. Clearly written, this work contains a bibliographic essay and is indexed. Recommended for all academic audiences interested in the political, social, and economic aspects of health care. Community college through graduate-level collections.?-Choice

"During the past decade, responses to the problems constituted by HIV/AIDS have varied from one country to another. Editors Misztal and Moss (humanities, Griffith University, Australia) present the national policy responses of nine countries between 1982 and 1988. The volume begins with an introductory overview, which is followed by chapters covering the US, Brazil, France, Belgium, West Germany, Italy, Poland, Australia, and Africa. The concluding chapter provides a comparative perspective, suggesting factors to be considered in the management of AIDS. The value of this book lies in its coverage of what has been done about HIV/AIDS in different countries. This summary of the variation in international responses yields insight into the contrasting mixes of political systems and the epidemiological profiles of AIDS. Clearly written, this work contains a bibliographic essay and is indexed. Recommended for all academic audiences interested in the political, social, and economic aspects of health care. Community college through graduate-level collections."-Choice

About the Author

BARBARA A. MISZTAL is Lecturer in the Division of Humanitites at Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia.

DAVID MOSS is Senior Lecturer in the Division of Humanities at Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia.