Medical literature has been flooded with a plethora of information on HIV/AIDS in the last decade and a half. Yet, little if any literature is devoted to the aspects of critically analysing the impacts of this epidemic on the health services. Peter Godwin has collected analytic frameworks, reports of research findings and views of experts in different fields of HIV/AIDS. The authors have in the various chapters of the book, lucidly outlined the situation in India, describing the likely impact of the looming epidemic on the medical, social and economic sectors, as well as attempted to suggest steps necessary to prevent the spread of HIV in the country. The book has especially attempted to highlight the critical areas in which basic social welfare infrastructure will be threatened by the increased morbidity and mortality associated with the epidemic.
The editor also introduces an unconventional element at the end of certain chapters by including a short discussion recorded between himself and a person living with HIV. A chapter has also been devoted exclusively to a particularly important area: gender differentials.
The book provides a good mix of the conceptual frameworks put forth by the authors, substantiated by first hand experiences of people living with the AIDS virus. It gives an insight to a reader interested in understanding the medical, social and economic impact of the AIDS epidemic. It also, suggests some of the techniques and approaches for assessment of the problem and its solution. The book is recommended as a reference book both for the MBBS and Post Graduate students.