There is now a vast literature on HIV and AIDS but much of it is based on traditional biomedical or epidemiological approaches. Hence it tells us very little about the experiences of the millions of people whose living and dying constitute the reality of this devastating pandemic. Doyal brings together findings from a wide range of empirical studies spanning the social sciences to explore experiences of HIV positive people across the world. This will illustrate how the disease is physically manifested and psychologically internalised by individuals in diverse ways depending on the biological, social, cultural and economic circumstances in which they find themselves. A proper understanding of these commonalities and differences will be essential if future strategies are to be effective in mitigating the effects of HIV and AIDS. Doyal shows that such initiatives will also require a better appreciation of the needs and rights of those affected within the wider context of global inequalities and injustices. Finally, she outlines approaches to address these challenges. This book will appeal to everyone involved in struggles to improve the well-being of those with HIV and AIDS. While academically rigorous, it is written in an accessible manner that transcends specific disciplines and, through its extensive bibliography, provides diverse source material for future teaching, learning and research.

About the Author
Lesley Doyal is Emeritus Professor of Health and Social Care at the University of Bristol, UK, and Len Doyal is Emeritus Professor of Medical Ethics, Queen Mary University of London, UK.

Reviews
'Amidst the plethora of books on AIDS, this volume stands out for its concern to locate and properly contextualize the experiences of people with HIV, both socially and geographically. The authors are to be congratulated for synthesising and adding value to scholarship and advocacy internationally.' Peter Aggleton, The University of New South Wales, Australia 'Doyal's book shows how social science can help understand and address the challenges facing people living with HIV around the world today. It is a magisterial synthesis presented in a lucid, straightforward and engaging style that illuminates what is at stake in living with HIV today. It is ideally suited to introducing students to this vast and important topic.' Vinh-Kim Nguyen, Universite de Montreal, Canada 'In this comprehensive book, Doyal starkly traces and connects the gross inequities of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, from infection to death, in relation to political geography, political economy, gender, sexuality, class, and race/ethnicity. Confronting how these inequities harm people with HIV/AIDS and their partners, parents, children, and communities, it offers a galvanizing introduction to the pandemic's core equity issues.' Nancy Krieger, Harvard School of Public Health, USA 'Offering compelling evidence of the inadequacy of biomedical models for the AIDS response, this book provides a clear and lucid look at the inequalities that drive growing rates of HIV infection and the inadequacy of existing systems to address them. Bringing to life the old adage the personal is political , it provides valuable evidence of the social and economic realities faced by HIV-infected people everywhere.' Sofia Gruskin, University of Southern California, USA 'A powerful combination of qualitative empirical data, sensitive sociological insights into diverse contexts of living and dying with HIV/AIDS, and a clear explication of the relevance of human rights both within nations and globally



Book Information
ISBN 9781409431114
Author Lesley Doyal
Format Paperback
Page Count 264
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 498g