How HIV affect economic progress in Kenya

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How HIV affects economic progress in Kenya

Kenya is a developing country. It has been constantly affected by the impact the HIV epidemic has on economic development. This is because Kenya solely depends on foreign aid for HIV prevention. We are, therefore, showing you how HIV affects economic progress in Kenya.

1. Effect of HIV on the agricultural sector

Agriculture is the backbone of Kenya’s economy, and many livelihoods are entirely dependent on agriculture.

70% of the total population lives in rural areas, and agriculture is the primary source of their livelihoods.

This implies that if HIV continues to spread at a rapid rate in Kenya, then more lives and economic progress are at stake.

HIV negatively affects this sector because it reduces the labor force. It generally weakens the economy by reducing the labor force. Sick people are unable to contribute fully towards economic progress if their health is not correctly taken care of.

Kenya exports goods mostly generated from agriculture. HIV weakens and kills citizens at their most productive age, and this threatens the status of the economy.

Like other developing countries, Kenya lacks proper nutrition programs for the sick, prevention measures, and health facilities.

This has put the lives of many victims in danger as they depend on drugs and nutrition to survive. This, in turn, affects the economic progress as individuals grow weaker and can not fully contribute towards economic growth.

2. The effect of HIV on the tax base

Taxes are the primary sources of revenue for the Kenyan government. HIV strikes adults at their most productive age, reducing the taxable population.

Deaths resulting from HIV means that taxes are reduced, and this puts much strain on the limited finance from the government.

Moreover, HIV infection increases the burden by increasing health expenditure. Because of this, the available cash is directed to care for the people living with HIV/AIDS. This as well increases pressure on the economy because more funds used to cater to hospital bills.

3. Reduction of Gross Domestic Product and Gross National Product

The increasing rapid spread of HIV in Kenya has a direct impact on the GDP and GNP of the country. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) refers to the value of goods and services produced within a country over a given period.

HIV infection reduces the number of goods produced because it reduces the labor force. When people are dying of AIDS, the most significant resource (the people) is lost. This eventually affects the economic progress as the national income is greatly reduced.

Reduced GDP and GNP both explains how HIV affects economic progress in Kenya.

4. Increased imports and decreasing exports

Reduced labor productivity translates to reduced exports.

While exports reduce, imports increase due to the need to have quality healthcare in the country. Because of this, balancing exports and imports becomes a problem for the economy. This also put so much strain on the progress of economic development.

Kenya exports mostly agricultural produce. This means that agriculture is the most active sector. The economy of Kenya cannot survive without agriculture.

Conclusion

Many people living with AIDS find it challenging to access HIV care and treatment services. This is because of the high rate of corruption within the country and the embezzlement of funds meant for HIV treatment.

Because of this, the Kenyan government needs to come up with new strategies that will take the country forward in terms of economic progress. This could mean strong legislation against corruption.