About data....

Before reading the chapters we had to read for class this week, I never realized that there was such a lack of reliable, thorough data about the HIV/AIDS epidemic. My impression was that there was a great supply of data because it seems that every mention of the epidemic is accompanied by some shocking and significant-sounding statistic. Upon reading the article, however, it makes sense that there is a real dearth of data - particularly considering the social, political, and economic obstacles to collecting it! Collecting a more comprehensive and up-to-date data set should be an international priority (and I hope it already is!). To achieve that goal, however, I would imagine that many more resources would need to be dedicated to the task. It would obviously be unacceptable to simply be conducting research while people are dying from lack of preventative efforts or direct care.

I had not before considered in any depth how nuanced the collection of such data truly is. Not only are there the scientific considerations of sample sizes, methods, composition, etc., but there are also social and practical considerations related to what resources are available to implement the survey and how participants may suffer from social stigmas. International politics even plays a role! I was very interested to read about how Zimbabwe adjusted its reported AIDS cases to 119 after learning that South Africa had reported 120. In our discussion in class last week, we briefly mentioned how political aid efforts such as PEPFAR are as well. It is somewhat surprising, given that many foundations and organizations are seeking to give out aid, that better surveys have not been conducted (at least, at the time of the press for the book). I would like to think that they are seeking to assist affected population with an understanding informed by research/data, but perhaps this is not the case.

Rachel Kelley
Blog Post 1: 9/23