HIV/AIDS is an unprecedented epidemic and public health emergency. Presently, worldwide, it is estimated that over 33 million people are infected with HIV, and over 16 million have died of AIDS-related illnesses. In many resource-poor countries and among marginalized groups of people in industrialized countries, the number of new HIV infections continues to rise. In some countries in Africa, AIDS related morbidity and mortality are causing major reversals in development, childhood mortality, and survival and life expectancy.1 In light of this, and sometimes with a sense of desperation, many governments and communities are reviewing the effectiveness of their HIV/AIDS programmes. This review has taken place against the backdrop of a deepening realization of the enormous impact that HIV/AIDS is having on the wellbeing of individuals, families and communities. It evidences a growing political commitment to HIV prevention and care.
The social issues associated with AIDS can be understood in two ways. Firstly, they may refer to the social determinants of the pandemic. Secondly, they relate to the social impact of the pandemic. Ethical questions present some of the most vexing problems associated with HIV infection. Ethics cannot be considered in a vacuum. The social context dictates how the principles of ethics are applied and interpreted. Spread of HIV is linked to certain patterns of human behavior. Hence, it has both biological and socio-cultural determinants. Any attempt to control its spread must take into account the complex social, cultural, economic and environmental factors in which the disease is embedded. India has a large migrant population. Rapid urbanization coupled with poor housing facilities in city areas leads to migrant labors staying away from families. Illiteracy and poor awareness exposes them to high risk behaviors. Occupational groups such as truck drivers are especially vulnerable (American Nurses Association, 2001).....
