HIV/AIDS an Economic development

Dr Helan A.P (Sr.Teresa CSST) is a Carmelite religious sister belonging to the congregation of the Carmelite Sisters of St. Teresa (CSST), Kerala Province. Currently she works as the Reader and Head, Department of Economics, St Teresa's college Ernakulam.. Her doctoral thesis (Ph.D (2004),M.G University )was on "Institutional Finance for Housing in kerala a study with reference to HDFC and KSHB" She has authored 3 books - "Housing Finance in Kerala - Issues Strategies and Options". (2005),'Integrated Municipal Solid Waste Treatment in Kerala" (2006), "A Treasure Within" (2008). She is the recognized research guide in M.G University with St Teresa's college as the research centre. She is also the chief editor of the research journal titled "environment and society"an annual publication by the Research Department of Economics, St Teresa's college. Silence, taboos and myths often surround HIV/AIDS. When and where misinformation, taboos, prejudice and fear regarding HIV/AIDS predominate, fundamental human rights are repeatedly abused and violated. Young people are often those most vulnerable and exposed. Our silence in one way or the other deepens the stigma and discrimination and marginalization of People living with HIV & AIDS. Such stigma and discrimination, although unfortunately typical of societal responses to epidemics, is identified as counter productive in HIV & AIDS prevention. Sr.Teresa's book on HIV and AIDS - An Economic Development Perspective places before us disturbingfactors that call for a response. We can either sit hark wi^fo iodtffrtfKrp or move out of our safe haven and sail into the turbulent waters and get involved in the struggles of the people living with HIV/AIDS in order to empower them and to restore their human dignity. This study brings us awareness that the star of hope is within our horizon and we can at least be pointers to this star for the youth of our society. CONTENTS ABOUT THE AUTHOR ABOUT THE BOOK ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FOREWORD CHAPTER I SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT OF HIV AND AIDS CHAPTER II HIV AND AIDS - CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES CHAPTER III HIV AND AIDS - A VICIOUS CYCLE OF DEPRIVATION CHAPTER IV STIGMA AND DISCRIMINATION CHAPTER V TRENDS AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS HIV AND AIDS IN KERALA CHAPTER VI HIV / AIDS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CHAPTER VII A CHRISTIAN RESPONSE TO HIV AND AIDS IN INDIA BIBLIOGRAPHY ACRONYMS.