The 14th annual inernational conference on AIDS begins today in Barcelona.

There will be 45 million new infections by 2010, according to experts. Seven countries in sub-Saharan Africa now have an average life expectancies under 40 years.

Some experts fear the epidemic is eating way at the economic and social stability of hard-hit nations and could lead to government instability in the most vulnerable countries.

In this hour, the development crisis in AIDS-stricken countries. What are the political, social, and economic costs of AIDS in the developing world?

Guests:

Stephen Morrison, Director of the Africa Program at the Center for Strategic & International Studies

Catherine Rielly, Political Economist who has advised three African presidents and currently consults to the United Nations on HIV/AIDS. She is currently doing a study with Boston University’s School of Public Health for the UN on women’s vulnerability to HIV/AIDS in conflict and post-conflict situations.