Symposium on Intersectional Stigma and Access to HIV Services for Young Key Populations in the SADC Region

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The symposium on Exploring the Influence of intersectional stigma on Access to HIV Services for key populations living with HIV in the SADC region hosted by UKZN’s Health Economics and HIV and AIDS Research Division (HEARD) from 3-5 April shared the results of current research and planned future steps for a three-year research project funded by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) HIV secretariat.

The research and intervention study on stigma and adherence to antiretroviral treatment (ART) among young men-having-sex-with-men (MSM) and transgendered populations is a collaboration between HEARD and the Universities of Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, together with community organisations and networks of MSM and transgendered populations. Professor Govender indicated that communities disproportionately affected by HIV frequently experience stigma and discrimination due to their race or ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, substance use, and engagement in sex work, among other identities and social positions. This three-country study with sites in (Malawi: Blantyre, Lilongwe, Mangochi, Mzuzu; Zambia: Chipata, Lusaka and Solwezi; Zimbabwe: Bulawayo, Harare, Masvingo, Mutare) is collecting data on the experiences of people living with HIV with the aim to mitigate the effects of stigma and improve ART uptake and adherence. The results based on this fourth-year study will inform guidelines for improved intervention design and quality of care across the SADC region. The study is led by HEARD colleagues: Professor Kaymarlin Govender, Mr Russell Armstrong and Dr Patrick Nyamaruze.

The exploratory phase of the study was completed in June 2022, with the project successfully engaging 158 young men who have sex with men and transgender individuals. Participants shared their experiences of living with HIV and taking ART in settings where stigma and discrimination are linked to sexual orientation and gender identity, and HIV status, which have significant, negative effects on their quality of life. Through questionnaires and in-depth interviews, the project generated a rich and comprehensive data set on intersectional stigma and its influence on young people’s choices and behaviours.

At the recent symposium in Durban which was attended by more than 35 delegates (members of MSM and Transgendered communities, representatives of ministries of health, representatives of key populations networks and service providers, and representatives of the SADC secretariat), the researchers presented the findings of the first phase and deliberated on their implications for further phases of the study. Insights from the attendees, including service providers will be of immense value in guiding and informing activities going forward. The symposium concluded by setting out an action plan for activities in the three countries over the period 2023-2024. It is expected that the study will provide evidence-informed guidance to assist stakeholders working in similar settings across the SADC region to improve the uptake and retention on ART, and health outcomes for young key populations.

Words: NdabaOnline

Photograph: Supplied