This study of recent Clinton administration foreign policy on AIDs as a national security threat to the U.S. reviewed speeches of key policy makers and interviews. The extent of the reality of the threat of AIDs to societal and governmental upheaval in selected African countries was examined.The study also evaluated the political and humanitarian pros and cons of the U.S. government classifying infectious diseases as threats to its national security interests. These policy and program implications are also assessed by analysis of the historical precedents of our national security concerns with global population growth and environmental degredation in developing countries.The findings suggest that linking public health problems in developing countries with U.S. national security may produce short-term funding gains but cause significant credibilty loss in international public health field efforts.Recommendations for avoiding such approaches are made.
Learning Objectives: After this session,the participant should be able to:(1)recognize the extent of the threat of AIDs to societal and governmental upheaval in Africa;(2)evaluate the pros and cons of theU.S. classifying infectious diseases as threats to its national security interests;and(3)assess the policy and program implications by comparing what has been learned from the historical evolvement of security concerns with population growth and environmental degredation.
Keywords: International Public Health, Women and HIV/AIDS
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Five College Program in Peace and World Security Studies;School of Public Health,Univ.of Massachusetts
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.