Afya na Mazingira is a multi-year research study led by Help REACH Africa (HERA) in partnership with the University of Toronto and Health Options for Young Men on HIV/AIDS/STIs (HOYMAS).

The study examines how climate change, extreme weather events, and structural vulnerabilities influence HIV prevention and care outcomes among vulnerable men in climate-affected regions in Kenya.

Through community-centered research and stakeholder engagement, the project seeks to generate evidence that informs climate-responsive HIV interventions, strengthens health systems, and improves health outcomes among vulnerable populations.

• Examine the impact of climate change and extreme weather events on HIV prevention outcomes 
• Assess structural and social vulnerabilities affecting access to healthcare services 
• Generate evidence to inform climate-responsive HIV programming 
• Strengthen research and stakeholder engagement on climate and health 
• Support evidence-based approaches for vulnerable populations in climate-affected settings 

Key Results

• Successfully completed Phase I data collection with 385 participant surveys conducted 
• Completed Phase II data collection with 377 participant surveys conducted 
• Completed 20 in-depth qualitative interviews to better understand participants’ lived experiences and the structural factors influencing health outcomes.
• Strengthened partnerships and collaboration on climate and health research 
• Increased community engagement in climate and HIV research discussions 
• Generated emerging evidence on the relationship between climate vulnerability and HIV prevention outcomes

The study combines quantitative surveys, community engagement, stakeholder collaboration, and qualitative research approaches to better understand how climate-related challenges affect HIV prevention and healthcare access among vulnerable populations.

The project works closely with communities, researchers, healthcare stakeholders, and partners to strengthen evidence generation and inform future climate-responsive interventions.

Afya na Mazingira has created important conversations around the growing impact of climate change on health, livelihoods, and access to HIV prevention services among vulnerable populations.

Through ongoing community engagement and research activities, participants have shared experiences on how extreme weather events and economic challenges affect mobility, access to healthcare services, mental well-being, and continuity of HIV prevention and care.

The study continues to provide valuable insights that will support the development of evidence-based and climate-responsive public health interventions in Kenya.

The project is being implemented in Nairobi County among vulnerable populations.

Donor

Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) 

Partners

• University of Toronto 
• Health Options for Young Men on HIV/AIDS/STIs (HOYMAS) 

Ongoing – Qualitative Research and Phase III Preparation Stage

The project has successfully completed Phase I and Phase II quantitative data collection activities and is currently conducting in-depth qualitative interviews with selected participants.

Phase III activities are expected to begin in July as the study continues to generate evidence on the intersection of climate change, vulnerability, and HIV prevention outcomes in Kenya.