Programmatic mapping and size estimation of key populations
STATUS: Completed
PROJECT LEADER:
Cloete Mapingire, A (Dr Allanise)OTHER TEAM MEMBERS:
Shean, YL (Ms Yolande),
Mathambo, N (Ms Nomonde),
Samuels, SN (Mrs Sue),
Nyawane, CL (Ms Lebo), Setswe, KG (Prof. Geoff), Adams, R.A.J. (Ms Ray), Ntsepe-Notshe, YM (Dr Yoliswa), Wabiri, MN (Dr Njeri), Msweli, S (Mr Sakhile), Sigida, ST (Ms Salome)
DEPARTMENT RESPONSIBLE:
Public Health, Societies and Belonging (HSC)RESEARCH OUTPUTS:
Programmatic mapping and size estimation study of key populations in South Africa: sex workers (male and female), men who have sex with men, persons who inject drugs and transgender people
Abstract
Men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender people, sex workers (SWs), injecting drug users (IDUs), prisoners and migrant populations are collectively labelled ???key populations??? (Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation, 2011). Key populations exist in every region of the world, in every country, and in most communities, according to the report lead by the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation (2011). Because they are often marginalised by society and greatly affected by discrimination and stigma, these groups have become some of the most at-risk populations for HIV infection (Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation, 2011). Globally, key populations have been shown to be at disproportionate risk for HIV infection (SANAC, 2011p.25). HIV prevalence within these populations tends to be higher in areas where same-sex behaviours, drug use and sex work are criminalized, and where appropriate actions addressing their specific health needs are absent (Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation, 2011). High levels of prejudice and moral loading have been shown to create barriers to accessing prevention, treatment, care and support ??? increasing vulnerability to HIV (Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation, 2011). On the contrary, the uptake, access and utilisation of services focusing on these key, marginalized populations is significantly better within environments where non-discriminatory services are provided and legal frameworks and policy provide enabling environments (Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation, 2011). Hence, in addition to being most likely to be exposed to, or to transmit, HIV and/or TB, most often, conventional key populations include those who lack access to services, and for whom the risk of HIV infection and TB infection is also driven by inadequate protection of human rights, and by prejudice (SANAC, 2011p.25). Often actions addressing their specific health needs are absent. It is for these reasons that key populations fall under the category of underserved populations.
