Australian Method of Fighting HIV
When the HIV/AIDS pandemic struck the world in the 1980s, most nations started isolating and condemning risk groups, such as prostitutes, gays, drug addicts, and marginal social groups. However, the situation differed in Australia, where the government reacted more aggressively. Australia’s health minister, Neal Blewett, communicated with representatives of such marginal groups to obtain evidence and established the National Advisory Committee on AIDS (Harry D’Costa 7:00).
The national health strategy was developed based on the communication with these social groups and helping them rather than suppressing. While drugs, prostitution, and even homosexual activity were mostly illegal in these times, people broke these laws to protect their rights and bring public attention to their problems (Harry D’Costa 5:30). Lastly, various strategies focused on harm reduction were provided: social marketing, such as Grim Reaper campaign, condom distribution, needle exchange programs, and promotion of the safe behavior.
American Approach to Addressing the Pandemics
The approach was much more oppressive in the United States, based on travel restrictions and various requirements. Unlike in Australia, the response was not so quick and was connected with initial confusion and the creation of social stigma. Public programs were weak and not as widespread as in Australia, so people were often unfamiliar with the AIDS danger. No communication was initially established between the government and affected communities, such as in Australia, and these communities had to cope with their problems in stigmatizing conditions.
Summary
The success of Australia’s response can be attributed to the combination of early government action, effective public health campaigns, targeted strategies, and broad community engagement. These factors created a comprehensive and coordinated approach that helped control the spread of HIV/AIDS and reduce its impact on the population. In addition, it promoted the development of rights and freedoms, ending discrimination and stigmatization. The United States government did not manage to respond quickly and faced many challenges, such as a lack of communication and discrimination against the risk groups, which led to greater damage.
Work Cited
Harry D’Costa. “Australian Response to the AIDS Epidemic.” YouTube. 2009. Web.