The politics of AIDS in Africa

Provides the magnitude of AIDS according to the UNAIDS and shows the inequality of the AIDS pandemic, stating that the impact of AIDS on African individuals depends on the social, cultural and economic factors. Shows case studies on how centralization of power, neopatrimonialism, state capacity and security concerns affect AIDS policies in Zimbabwe, Uganda, Swaziland, and South Africa. Describes how democracy shapes Africa's ability to address AIDS and how AIDS affects democracy. Explains in detail civil societies' influence on the politics of AIDS, and explains the reasons why some AIDS organizations are internally strong and what enables some organizations to influence AIDS policies. Compares two donor programs on AIDS: Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and PEPFAR and their role in building political commitment to AIDS among African leaders as well as donors.