Leading The Fight Against Aids Epidemic Global...

Leading the Fight Against the AIDS Epidemic: Global Achievements of Dr. Helene Gayle Rebecca A. Abbott Northern Arizona University Abstract This paper examines the international health threat posed by AIDS and HIV. Utilized were resources accessed online (Internet) as well as printed publications. Research focused on the efforts made by international humanitarian, Dr. Helene Gayle, to make a difference in a lot of people’s lives. Realizing the need for action, this physician and epidemiologist had a vision of eradicating those threats and saving lives. She spent years researching accompanying components of this disease while working within various low-income communities of foreign countries. Her efforts provided services with information of how AIDS is contracted and spread as well as education in prevention and treatment. Combining her medical expertise with her wide range of leadership skills, she made a profound and distinct difference in the lives of millions. This paper examines and outlines some of the political hurdles she encountered, two political force fields she faced, explanations of individual power bases, and how she overcame obstacles of the â€Å"coordination crisis.† Keywords: AIDS, political hurdles, force fields, individual powers, coordination crisis Overview AIDS is a disease that no one wanted to talk about years ago. It was not a popular topic to discuss in public, and it carried the social stigma of shame and embarrassment. As the AIDS