The micro and macroeconomic impact of HIV/AIDS in Africa

Amal Elbeshbishi, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA)

HIV/AIDS is an epidemic of enormous proportions. The disease is mostly prevalent in Africa, with the sub-Saharan African region being the worst affected. This paper discusses the micro and macroeconomic impact of HIV/AIDS in Africa, and demonstrates how it negatively affects growth and development. The paper suggests recommendations to African leaders regarding the win-win policies that could be pursued to both enhance growth and development and combat HIV/AIDS. African leaders need to continue to deliver public health policies and programs for the control of HIV/AIDS and to focus the world’s attention on the impact this disease has on development. There is an urgent need to undertake a comprehensive economic impact assessment of HIV/AIDS on Africa as a whole.