Stopping the war on drugs will end the AIDS epidemic, Dr. Evan Wood believes.
Could the legalization of drugs end the spread of AIDS? Because according to a B.C. doctor, the AIDS epidemic can be stopped if governments are willing to end the war on drugs.
But how would this be possible?
Dr. Evan Wood, lead researcher at the B.C. Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, explained toCBC News in an interview that but it is the politics behind the war on drugs that is preventing the end of the AIDS epidemic.
In addition, Wood, British billionaire Richard Branson, B.C.-based doctor Julio Montaner, and the former presidents of Brazil and Colombia are challenging world leaders to legalize drugs in an effort to end the AIDS epidemic. From CBC News:
“One of the messages coming out of the conference is how putting energy into drug law enforcement and engaging in this cat-and-mouse game with drug addicts really contributes to the spread of HIV and does not reduce availability or use of drugs.”
To elaborate, Wood said that drug addicts tend to fear the police, and instead of getting tested for HIV they usually hide or run away. And if the addicts aren’t getting tested or getting any treatments, then their viral load will increase and the disease will spread.
According to Wood, each AIDS patient costs the Canadian taxpayer $500,000 in medical expenses.
Do you think ending the war on drugs will stop the AIDS epidemic? Write your thoughts below.
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