Issues in HIV Policy: Poverty and HIV
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New York City (September 16, 2010) - HIV infection and poverty are intricately linked and the socioeconomic factors associated with poverty are, in many ways, driving the transmission of HIV. “Issues in HIV Policy: Poverty and HIV,” is a well-researched and concise report that drills down the critical role of social-economic status and related factors in the spread of HIV, including race, gender, homelessness and unstable housing, and employment discrimination. ‘The ‘Poverty and HIV’ fact sheet is an informative 2 page synopsis,” says Alison Yager, Staff Attorney at HIV Law Project. “I highly recommend it for policy people, advocates, government officials, and students.”
Over 90% of HIV Law Project's clients live at or below 125% of the federal poverty level.
Recommendations:
- Invest broadly in poverty alleviation as a preventative measure to fight the spread of HIV.
- Invest in direct legal and social services that protect the rights of low-income individuals and that allows for a more adequate and comprehensive health initiative.
- Invest in increased access to affordable medical care for all people, so that all people may have the opportunity to receive the appropriate care.
- Invest in affordable housing options, especially in urban areas and for people living with HIV in order for these individuals to have an increased chance to stabilize their condition.
- Invest in syringe exchange programs that help stop the spread of HIV among poor intravenous drug users, so that this will no longer be a major population that comprises HIV statistics.
- Invest in legal advocacy training programs that empower low-income people to protect their rights and interests.
- Invest in gender equality and anti-violence programming, especially as it relates to young women and girls.
- Invest in job training, vocational programs, and job programs."
