Paper short abstract:

In affluent countries HIV-infected persons now have access to anti-retroviral therapy. In many low-income countries only a minority enjoys this privilege. Development of specific anthropological research agendas, focusing on strategies for primary prevention, should be given the highest priority.

Paper long abstract:

Previously the only cure for HIV/AIDS was primary prevention of HIV-transmission. In affluent countries the situation changed dramatically, when anti-retroviral therapy (ART) became available and its costs gradually decreased. Many low-income countries (LICs) frequently have an inadequate infrastructure for distribution of drugs and suffer from lack of sufficient human resources, needed to continuously monitor ART of persons living with HIV (PLWH). Consequently, the majority of PLWH do not receive adequate ART. Advances in medical technology and drug development will most probably not change this situation in the most marginalised societies in the foreseeable future. The risk is, consequently, that the HIV-epidemic might continue to escalate in those societies. It is well documented that primary prevention of transmission of HIV is cost-beneficial for a society with a majority of the population, living below the poverty-line. For marginalised population groups in many LICs, primary prevention of HIV might remain the only viable alternative for inhibition of the epidemic. Identification of the most efficient and effective, culture specific strategies for primary prevention, consequently, must remain a high priority in LICs. The development of culture specific anthropological research agendas in each of these societies, consequently, should be the highest priority at this stage in time. These agendas should focus on the strengths of traditional institutions, change agents, local community organisations and strategies for strengthening interdisciplinary cooperation.