Yahoo Lahu! The Hypothetical Establishment of a Health Project for Tribal People in the United States

Abstract

Thailand underwent "the fastest spread of HIV ever documented." Most of the infections were concentrated in the North, which is also the region containing the majority of Thailand's tribal people. In response to inadequate government education programs, the Health Project for Tribal People (HPTP) was established to provide culturally appropriate HIV/AIDS education and care for tribal people. The potential to establish an equally successful project in rural Appalachia America is not only viable, but several organizations aimed at servicing Appalachia currently exist. HPTP and these organizations have some common features, such as utilizing cultural differences, building relationships, and empowering and involving locals. The fact that organizations need to resolve such inequalities is indicative of an error in our current system that measures societal health and well being. Although the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) may indicate that our society is healthy, disparities between social classes still exist. The Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI) seeks to provide a true reflection of our society's status, by valuing the aforementioned work. Rejection of the GDP and an evaluation of the market system is required in order to produce a sustainable society.