Global Economic Burden of HIV/AIDS

Dear Colleagues，

HIV/AIDS remains one of the 10 leading global causes of early death. However, recent developments in treatment programs, including highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), have shifted its prognosis from a death sentence to a chronic, manageable disease.

HIV/AIDS not only manifests itself physically, but also socially and psychosocially. People living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) have comorbid conditions (e.g., cardiovascular–pulmonary disease, sleep disorders, diabetes, neurological and musculoskeletal issues), co-infections with TB, diabetes, and other social/behavioral aspects (e.g., smoking, substance abuse) combined produce synergistic epidemics (i.e., syndemics) with documented higher rates of depression that negatively impact health outcomes. These syndemics in PLHIV impact quality of life and contribute to the economic burden of disease globally. To date, costs directly related to the clinical management of HIV/AIDS are relatively well understood; however, much remains to be studied. We invite papers that discuss the global economic burden of PLHIV in any setting. Papers that discuss collaborations with researchers, patient advocates, and public health practitioners that have implemented and analyzed the cost evidence-based interventions for prevention and treatment are welcomed. Data that address patient/family/community costs associated with expenditures other than treatment are scant, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LIMCs), where data collection tools have yet to be fully implemented. We invite papers from researchers/implementers/practitioners that discuss various elements of the economic burden for PLHIV, including treatment of comorbid conditions and how the economic burden differs based on location (e.g., high-income vs low- or middle-income countries). Papers or commentaries examining the economic burden of HIV/AIDS, using mixed methods with an emphasis on both direct and indirect costs associated with the disease in various populations are welcomed. We aim to bridge this gap in the literature by taking a comprehensive perspective that incorporates population data to help to paint a larger picture of the overall economic burden of HIV/AIDS.

Dr. Emmanuel K. Peprah
Leading Guest Editor

Dr. Nessa Ryan
Dr. Joyce O. Gyamfi
Supporting Guest Editors

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