Understanding Climate Change and HIV Prevention Through Afya na Mazingira
Climate change is increasingly recognized as a public health challenge. Extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, and changing environmental conditions can affect livelihoods, mobility, healthcare access, and social support systems.
Yet little is known about how these changes influence HIV prevention outcomes among vulnerable populations.
To address this gap, Help REACH Africa (HERA), in partnership with the University of Toronto and Health Options for Young Men on HIV/AIDS/STIs (HOYMAS), is implementing the Afya na Mazingira Study.
Exploring the Connection
The study examines pathways through which climate-related events may influence HIV prevention and care outcomes among vulnerable men in climate-affected regions of Kenya.
By understanding these relationships, researchers hope to generate evidence that can inform climate-responsive health interventions and policies.
Progress to Date
The study has successfully completed two rounds of surveys involving hundreds of participants across selected study sites.
- Phase One engaged 385 participants.
- Phase Two engaged 377 participants.
- In-depth qualitative interviews are currently ongoing, with 16 interviews completed to date.
The next phase of the study will continue exploring participants' lived experiences through additional interviews and analysis.
Why This Research Matters
Climate-related disruptions can affect income, housing, mobility, healthcare access, and social support networks. These factors may in turn influence HIV prevention behaviors and healthcare engagement.
Generating evidence on these complex relationships is essential for developing interventions that address both environmental and health vulnerabilities.
Looking Ahead
As the study progresses into subsequent phases, HERA and its partners will continue working with communities, researchers, and policymakers to better understand how climate change affects health outcomes and identify practical solutions that promote resilience and wellbeing.
