0512 - Suffering and social inequality II

Question 1

Why are disasters and pandemics, such as AIDS and famine, often distributed along social lines?

Answer 1

Must examine why this population got affected (generally), and why this infection occurred to this person at this time (specific).Agent – Can spread between those in close social or geographic contact.Host – Can have similar practices and attitudes, close contact.Environment – Part of a community or a culture, with common values and behaviours. If community structures are appropriate, it can minimise and eliminate the impact, if not, it can exacerbate it (including access to and affordability of treatment).

Question 2

What is the epidemiological triad, and how can it be applied to the emerging response to HIV in the 1980s?

Answer 2

Agent, Host, Environment are all determining factors.Agent – single or multiple? Uncertain until HIV was discovered and isolated.Host – practices weren’t known to be risky at the time – just affected the four H’s (haemophiliacs, Hatians, homosexuals and heroin addicts) – led to massive spreading within communities.Environment – depending on the area, there was condemnation/isolation or support. Once agent was discovered, a supportive environment could be put in place to minimise infection.

Question 3

Why was Australia’s response to HIV so successful?

Answer 3

Chiefly the environment angle of the epidemiological triad. A tolerant, stable society, with political support for an effective response. Included Government, public figures (Ita Buttrose), and HIV sufferers, without discriminating between ‘guilty’ (homosexual, heroin addict), and ‘innocent’ (haemophiliacs).This environment allowed systems to be put in place to minimise the stigma of HIV and control the spread of the virus (access to drugs, needle exchanges, education campaigns, blood screening etc).

Question 4

Can famine occur without a decline of per-capita food supply?

Answer 4

Yes. Food shortage does not need to lead to famine, and famine does not need to result from food shortage. The poor and marginalised are most affected.Environmental support networks, including income support, food distribution, charity, and targeted food programs can alleviate or eliminate famine.