When discussing the relationship between HIV/AIDS and developing world militaries, some statements are generally accepted as fact. First, there is a higher HIV/AIDS prevalence amongst military services than amongst comparable civilians. Second, HIV/AIDS prevalence cripples the ability of the armed forces to conduct their duties. Third, war spreads HIV/AIDS. Fourth, HIV/AIDS is a threat to national security. In a 2006 journal article, Alan Whiteside, Alex de Waal, and Tsadkan Gebre-Tensae analyzed these four accepted wisdoms in African militaries.
1. Do soldiers have higher HIV prevalence?
Whiteside, de Waal, and Gebre-Tensae conclude HIV/AIDS prevalence in militaries is determined by two competing factors. First, young recruits typically have less HIV prevalence than the general population, driving down the overall prevalence. Second, older servicemen often have higher prevalence than the source civilian population raising prevalence. These factors work against each other, with the latter likely having more sway. Thus, the statement that militaries typically have three or four times the HIV/AIDS prevalence than civilians is unlikely.
2. Does HIV/AIDS undermine military effectiveness?
On this point the authors argue HIV/AIDS could -and likely (in the case of Uganda) has- undermined military effectiveness. However, militaries are specifically structured to absorb losses and built in redundancies likely negate most negative effects of HIV/AIDS losses.
3. Does war contribute to the spread of HIV?
Against this point the authors argue there is not the data to support it either way. Specifically they argue that since Rwanda was the only example of HIV/AIDS used as a weapon, the military use of HIV/AIDS is essentially an anomaly. That is, armed conflict spreading HIV/AIDS is the exception, not the rule.
4. Does HIV/AIDS imperil national security?
The authors argue the connection between HIV/AIDS and political instability is inconclusive. High HIV/AIDS prevalence is correlated with a number of other factors likely contributing to political instability. With this in mind, it is impossible to claim HIV/AIDS is a cause of instability any more than other factors.
My point in highlighting this article is not to argue it either way, but to make a simple assertion: political science and public health lack even basic understanding of the interrelationship between armed conflict and HIV/AIDS. That is, there is work to be done.
Source:
Whiteside, Alan, Alex de Waal, and Tsadkan Gebre-Tensae. 2006. “AIDS, security and the military in Africa: A sober appraisal.” Afr Aff (Lond) 105(419):201-218.
Christopher Albon is a Ph.D. candidate specializing in armed conflict, public health, human security, and health diplomacy.
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