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This book presentS empirical evidence towards the debate over the impact of HIV infection across countries on economic growth and supports the hypothesis that HIV prevalence has lowered the rate of growth of income per capita in a group of developed and developing nations. However, it seems that at low stages of the epidemic, the HIV infection has not impacted economic performance, as suggested in our analysis for Latin America and Muslim countries. These results are consistent with the current and vast literature on HIV/AIDS, human capital and economic growth. Empirical work is useful in providing more elements to policy makers in the decision-making process. Nonetheless, there are many unanswered questions on this subject and the use of innovative econometric techniques, based on more accurate samples to determine the number of people infected at a point in time, will provide more understanding of the economic impact of HIV as it continues to affect humanity on a global scale.

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Juan J. DelaCruz obtained his Doctoral Degree in Economics from the New School for Social Research. He was appointed as an Assistant Professor of Economics and Business at Lehman College - CUNY and collaborates with the FIT-SUNY. Professor DelaCruz concentrates his research in health economics with an emphasis on HIV/AIDS and human capital.

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