Diseases and Inclusive Growth in West Africa: The Case of HIV/AIDS

Abstract

Inclusive growth is a concept which advocates all-encompassing growth covering all sectors and benefiting every segment and individual in society. However, diseases are capable of undermining growth and development activities due to their negative influence on macroeconomic fundamentals. This study examined HIV/AIDS vis-à-vis its effects on the key elements required for the attainment of inclusive growth in West Africa. It argued that HIV/AIDS possesses the capability of depressing the key elements of inclusive growth (such as adequate employment opportunities, high productivity, human capability development, and provision of social safety nets) in West Africa. It is therefore essential to effectively curtail the spread of the disease in the sub-region while efforts should be geared towards the provision of adequate employment opportunities and social safety nets to assist the vulnerable and those suffering from deprivation as a result of the menace of HIV/AIDS. Moreover, there should be promotion of higher productivity and development of human capabilities in the sub-region through adequate investment in basic social services of education and health.