Researchers have examined 22 recent studies on HIV-related effects in the context of climate change and found several connections between extreme weather events and both HIV prevention and care.
According to a recent review published in Current Opinions in Infectious Disease, climate change is bringing new difficulties to HIV prevention and care.
Academics from the University of Toronto reviewed 22 recent studies that focus on HIV outcomes within the framework of climate change. They discovered various connections between severe weather occurrences and the effectiveness of HIV prevention and care initiatives.
Extreme weather events linked to climate change, such as droughts and floods, were found to negatively impact HIV prevention efforts, including a decrease in HIV testing. These events also correlated with increased risky behaviors that heighten HIV risk, like engaging in transactional sex and having sex without condoms, resulting in a rise in new HIV infections.
Lead author Carmen Logie, a Professor at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work (FIFSW) at the University of Toronto and the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment, and Health, explained, “Climate change affects HIV prevention through various mechanisms. Severe weather damages healthcare infrastructure and causes people to migrate or be displaced, both of which impede access to HIV services for prevention and testing. Additionally, we observe a rise in behaviors that escalate HIV risk due to resource scarcity linked to climate change.”
The research also indicated significant repercussions for individuals already living with HIV, including lower viral suppression rates, poorer adherence to treatment, and deteriorating mental and physical health.
Co-author Andie MacNeil, a PhD student at the FIFSW at the University of Toronto, noted, “Extreme weather events create challenges for accessing HIV care and sticking to treatment plans. We need multi-level strategies to lessen the impact of climate change on HIV care, such as long-lasting antiretroviral therapy, increased medication supplies, and community-based medication distribution and outreach efforts.”
The authors pointed out critical gaps in existing studies, such as the limited research on particular extreme weather phenomena (like extreme heat, wildfires, and hurricanes) and in areas most vulnerable to climate change with rising HIV rates (such as the Middle East and Northern Africa).
They also highlighted a continued lack of understanding concerning the relationship between extreme weather events and HIV among marginalized groups, such as sex workers, drug users, and gender-diverse individuals, as well as the interplay of extreme weather with various forms of stigma.
The researchers are optimistic that their findings can pave the way for advancements in research, policy, and practical applications.
Logie added, “Creative HIV interventions—like long-acting PrEP, mobile pharmacies, and health clinics, as well as strategies to combat food and water insecurity—could greatly enhance HIV care during extreme weather events. There’s a pressing need for more research and evaluation to validate HIV prevention and intervention approaches that take climate change into account. Integrating disaster preparedness with HIV care presents new chances to improve HIV treatment in our changing environment.”
