AEGiS-WSJ:Researchers Warn AIDS Poses Threat to International Security

Researchers Warn AIDS Poses Threat to International Security

Wall Street Journal - June 19, 2001
Michael M. Phillips, Staff Reporter

WASHINGTON -- The spread of AIDS poses a looming threat to international security as it ravages military forces in the developing world and destabilizes entire nations, according to a new report by an international research and advocacy group.

"For a growing number of states, AIDS can no longer be understood or responded to as primarily a public-health crisis -- it is becoming a threat to security," said the International Crisis Group, a private organization chaired by former Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari and funded by European governments, foundations and others.

The report, to be released Tuesday, concludes that more than 100 million people could be infected by the AIDS virus by 2005, as the disease destroys lives and weakens governments' ability to maintain order in sub-Saharan Africa, Ukraine, India, China and elsewhere. The United Nations estimates that 36 million people are infected now, 25 million of them in Africa.

Among other recommendations, the research group urged the U.S. and other rich countries to support the U.N.'s call for $10 billion a year in new funding to fight AIDS in the developing world.

The disease is ravaging the educated in Africa and is leaving fewer qualified teachers, administrators and health professionals, the report said. But the military has been particularly hard hit. Researchers estimate, for instance, that 40% to 60% of the Angolan military is HIV positive. One study predicts that AIDS may kill as much as half of Malawi's military personnel by 2005.

"The implications for national security are clear: A military force that is sick and dying will not be as effective -- or as disciplined -- as one that is healthy," the report said.

The epidemic is hitting at a time when the Bush administration, wary about sending U.S. forces to Africa, is leaning more heavily on African peacekeepers in such conflict zones as Sierra Leone. "AIDS thus may hinder international attempts to respond to conflict," the report said.

Write to Michael M. Phillips at michael.phillips@wsj.com1

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