HIV/AIDS Securitization: Outcomes and Current Challenges

Background: The securitization (i.e., framing of a health issue as a security threat) of HIV/AIDS by the United Nations Security Council in 2000 changed the belief that HIV/AIDS is only a health issue. Although now accepted that HIV/AIDS represents a security threat, the consequences of securitization are still not widely established. Methods: The purpose of this paper was to present an evidence-based review of the outcomes and current challenges associated with HIV/AIDS securitization in the context of national security. Results/Conclusion: We provided an overview of HIV/AIDS securitization, followed by a discussion of the impact of securitization on peacekeeping personnel and uniformed services. We also reviewed the United States Government's response to securitization and potential risks and benefits of securitization.