Concept-overview December 2022
1. Background
The Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is one of the world’s most serious health and development challenges. Sub-Saharan Africa, home to two-thirds of all people living with HIV globally, is the hardest-hit region in the world.
HIV continues to be a major global public health issue, having claimed 40.1 million [33.6–48.6 million] lives so far. In 2021, 650 000 [510 000–860 000] people died from HIV-related causes globally.There were approximately 38.4 million [33.9–43.8 million] people living with HIV (PLHIV) at the end of 2021 with 1.5 million [1.1–2.0 million] people becoming newly infected with HIV in 2021 globally.
The WHO African Region is the most affected region, with 25.6 million [23.4–28.6 million] people living with HIV in 2021. Also, the WHO African Region accounts for almost 60% of the global new HIV infections.
The results of the 2020 Uganda Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (UPHIA) indicate that the current prevalence of HIV among adults aged 15 to 49 years in Uganda is 5.5 percent.The survey reported continued higher HIV prevalence in young women than in young men.The HIV prevalence among young people aged 15 to 24 years was 1.8 percent. In this age group, the prevalence was three times higher among women at 2.9 percent compared to men at 0.8 percent.
Fishing communities (FCs) have higher HIV prevalence and incidence rates than the general population in Uganda and are identified as the most at-risk population. Commercial fishing attracts a significant proportion of young people for gainful employment on the shores and islands of Lake Victoria.
In lieu of this background, Girls Life Line Organization (GLLO) is targeting youth fishing communities to create awareness on HIV/AIDs risk behaviors, increase access to HIV prevention services like condoms, HIV testing among others.
Fishing communities (FCs) have higher HIV prevalence and incidence rates than the general population in Uganda and are identified as the most at-risk population. Commercial fishing attracts a significant proportion of young people for gainful employment on the shores and islands of Lake Victoria.
In lieu of this background, Girls Life Line Organization (GLLO) is targeting youth fishing communities to create awareness on HIV/AIDs risk behaviors, increase access to HIV prevention services like condoms, HIV testing among others.
2. Problem Statement
The local fishing business communities along the shores and island of Lake Victoria are largely youthful and live a mobile lifestyle that is largely distant from all health supply amenities like HIV testing, care and treatment among others. In addition, such communities are largely communal and often influenced by peer behaviors and perceptions. Therefore, HIV risky behaviors like multiple sexual partners, and condomless sex among others are common among this sub-population.
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