Curing Lives: Surviving the HIV Epidemic in Ethiopia

This is a book about life during the HIV epidemic in Ethiopia, and seeks to understand how and why the global effort to achieve universal HIV treatment has shifted away from its initial focus on the excessive human suffering precipitated by the epidemic.

Format: Hardback
Length: 172 pages
Publication date: 27 April 2023
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

This captivating book delves into the intricate tapestry of life during the HIV epidemic in Ethiopia, embarking on a profound exploration to unravel the enigmatic shift in the global pursuit of universal HIV treatment. It seeks to understand the underlying forces that have redirected attention away from the overwhelming human suffering inflicted by the epidemic, shedding light on the complex dynamics that have shaped this transformative journey.

When antiretroviral drugs reached Ethiopia, they emerged as potent agents of change, wielding the power to not only cure individuals but also to dismantle the pervasive fear and silence surrounding AIDS. These drugs not only restored physical health but also healed the deep social wounds inflicted by the epidemic, fostering a sense of unity and resilience among affected communities.

However, as this book compellingly argues, the very same agents that brought about these positive changes have, over the past decade, undergone a silent "reversal." These reversals have eroded connections, re-opened invisible social fissures, and allowed a significant majority of people to become indifferent to the ongoing suffering of individuals whose lives remain vulnerable under the current treatment regime. This intricate process is a testament to the profound impact of neoliberal global health interventions, which determine which lives are deemed worthy or unworthy of investment.

This book holds immense appeal for scholars of biopolitics and public health, as well as those who are deeply interested in the complexities of the developing world and the profound ways in which pandemic interventions alter the lives of countless individuals. It offers a rich and nuanced perspective, shedding light on the intricate interplay between global health policies, local realities, and the human experiences that lie at the heart of this critical chapter in history.

Weight: 383g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789819918300
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023