Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Theresa Gaffney and Annalisa Merelli
Published on 2024-01-25 09:30:05
Transgender women, particularly those who are part of marginalized racial and ethnic groups, experience high rates of HIV. However, up until now, no standardized surveillance system has collected data to gain insight into the factors that contribute to the greater risk of contracting the virus. In an effort to gather and assess behavioral data relating to HIV prevention and risk, a survey of transgender women was developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The survey aimed to provide a better understanding of the factors contributing to the higher rates of HIV in this group.
Published in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, the analysis of the survey results revealed that transgender women, who are at the highest risk of contracting HIV, also face high levels of social and economic marginalization.
The survey was conducted at various sites across seven U.S. cities between 2019-2020, and more than 1,600 transgender women participated and were provided with HIV testing. The results showed that 42% of the participants tested positive for HIV overall. The number increased to 62% among Black trans women, 35% among Hispanic and Latina trans women, and 17% among white trans women.
Further analyses within the report highlighted issues such as access to preventative HIV medication, experiences of homelessness and sexual violence, and suicidal ideation. It was concluded that discrimination faced by transgender women increases their exposure to various conditions, including violence, homelessness, and incarceration, which in turn increases their risk of contracting HIV.
The survey also found that while 92% of the participants were aware of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), only around 32% had recently used it. Factors such as employment discrimination and lack of access to health insurance were also identified as contributing to the increased risk of HIV among transgender women. This study emphasizes the importance of addressing these social and economic factors to improve the living circumstances and quality of life for transgender women.
Read the original article on Africa Health News
