HIV and AIDS social issues

In many regions, social issues increase the risk of HIV infection making it difficult to tackle the global HIV epidemic effectively.

Men who have sex with men (MSM) and HIV/AIDS

Homosexual acts are illegal in more than a third of countries, preventing men who have sex with men (MSM) from accessing HIV services.

Prisoners and HIV/AIDS

Incarceration increases HIV vulnerability, especially when prisoners engage in high risk behaviours like injecting drugs.

Children and HIV/AIDS

240,000 children became infected with HIV in 2013, the majority of which were from mother-to-child during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

People who inject drugs (PWID) and HIV/AIDS

13% of all people who inject drugs are living with HIV. PWID are repeatedly denied access to harm reduction programs.

Sex workers and HIV/AIDS

Sex workers are 12 times more likely to be living with HIV than the general population and are difficult for HIV services to reach.

Transgender people and HIV/AIDS

Being transgender is strongly associated with stigma and discrimination. They also lack access to tailored HIV services.

Women and HIV/AIDS

Women are often vulnerable to HIV due to unequal gender relations which affects their ability to negotiate condom use.

Young people, adolescents and HIV/AIDS

Young people are a priority for HIV prevention messages because it’s most effective to change behaviour before sexual debut.