Final answer:
People in sub-Saharan Africa consider Western patent systems and pharmaceutical practices as a form of exploitation in the AIDS crisis due to the high cost and limited access to treatment, aggravated by the legacy of colonialism and ongoing economic challenges.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of business ethics, many people in sub-Saharan Africa view Western patent systems and pharmaceutical practices as a form of exploitation that prevents treatment of AIDS for millions. By the year 2000, substantial progress had been made in understanding and treating AIDS in developed countries, transforming it from a lethal disease to a manageable one.
However, in parts of the developing world, especially sub-Saharan Africa, the AIDS crisis continues unabated due to economic constraints, lack of resources, and the legacy of colonialism. The high cost of life-saving drugs and limited access to treatment exacerbate the situation, with Sub-Saharan Africa housing nearly 70% of the world's HIV-positive population. Issues of stigma, human rights abuses, and the historical backdrop of imperialism further complicate efforts to combat the epidemic in the region.