Tuberculosis, Malaria, and HIV/AIDS: An Analysis of Biomedical, Social, Cultural, and Economic Impacts in the Global Context and Thailand’s Southern Border Areas

This study aimed to analyze the impact of tuberculosis, malaria, and HIV/AIDS infections within the global context and in the southern border provinces of Thailand. A systematic literature review was conducted on research published from 2006 to 2024, supplemented by qualitative research through non-participant observation in a community within the region. The findings revealed that these diseases are complex and intertwined with structural factors such as poverty, lack of resources, and unequal access to healthcare. Furthermore, these infectious diseases reflect the concept of “diseases as products,” diminishing labor potential and economic productivity. They are also referred to as “diseases of poverty,” adversely affecting the poor in terms of treatment and prevention, and as “diseases of reproduction,” reinforcing cycles of vulnerability and inequality in similar communities worldwide. This situation was also observed in the southern border regions of Thailand where multicultural dynamics present unique challenges and opportunities in educational management. The study highlighted the interconnected impacts of these three infectious diseases across biological, medical, political, economic, and social dimensions. Therefore, addressing these issues required consideration at both the global level and in the southern border provinces of Thailand, promoting international cooperation and developing health policies that account for cultural, religious, and social contexts to ensure sustainable long-term disease prevention and control.