Impact of Extreme Weather on HIV Risks for Vulnerable Populations in Kenya
Recent research published in AIDS and Behavior has established critical connections between extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods, and heightened vulnerabilities to HIV among sex workers and sexually diverse men in Nairobi, Kenya.
Although the relationship between climate change and HIV risks has gained increased attention, previous studies have frequently overlooked marginalized groups, including sex workers and gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM). The study's lead researcher emphasized that climate-related shocks intensify poverty and resource scarcity, thereby increasing the risk of HIV transmission. Vulnerable populations like sex workers and gbMSM are particularly susceptible due to the compounded effects of stigma and social exclusion.
Researchers from the University of Toronto, collaborating with Kenyan community partners, conducted a qualitative study involving 21 sex workers and 15 gbMSM. The focus was on their experiences regarding climate change, extreme weather events, resource insecurity, and vulnerabilities to HIV.
Participants reported various interconnected issues linking extreme weather to HIV risks. For instance, instances of drought and flooding resulted in food and water shortages, leading individuals to adopt coping mechanisms that could elevate their risk of HIV, such as engaging in transactional sex. In these scenarios, individuals often find it challenging to negotiate safe sex practices, including the use of condoms.
Moreover, participants indicated that the scarcity of resources heightened their risk of sexual violence, especially when they had to travel longer distances to secure water. This highlights how resource deprivation can further exacerbate vulnerabilities to HIV.
The findings resonate with emerging literature on the connections between climate change-related resource insecurity and HIV risks, which encompass various pathways, including transactional sex and diminished condom efficacy. The study underscores the urgent necessity of addressing resource shortages, particularly for at-risk communities in areas affected by climate change.
Additionally, participants noted that stigma related to LGBTQ identities contributed to broader economic vulnerabilities, worsening under the strain of extreme weather events. While climate change affects a wide range of populations, the interplay of stigma and social marginalization presents unique challenges for sex workers and gbMSM.
Researchers assert that the intersecting stigmas associated with sex work and LGBTQ status amplify the detrimental effects of extreme weather events. Participants reported reduced access to healthcare and increased risks of criminalization due to their identities, which exacerbated the consequences of climate-related challenges.
The research team hopes that the insights gained from this study will inform better strategies to reduce HIV risks in the context of climate change. The need for interventions aimed at alleviating resource scarcities is critical for addressing HIV vulnerabilities. They advocate for the development and assessment of climate-informed HIV prevention strategies, including long-acting PrEP and mobile pharmacies, with a particular focus on mitigating stigma and tailoring services to the needs of sex workers and gbMSM.
In conclusion, addressing the intersection of climate change and HIV vulnerabilities among marginalized populations is essential for improving health outcomes and ensuring equitable access to resources.