Climate change's stormy impact on HIV treatment efforts
Extreme weather events related to climate change hinder the prevention and care of people infected with HIV, according to research from the University of Toronto.
Researchers from the University of Toronto analyzed 22 studies on the impact of climate change on HIV. The findings indicate that extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods, negatively affect HIV prevention efforts. The number of tests conducted decreases, making early virus detection more difficult.
Extreme weather conditions also promote risky behaviors, such as transactional sex and not using condoms, leading to a rise in new infections.
Climate change impacts HIV prevention through several mechanistic pathways, explained Carmen Logie, professor at the University of Toronto.
As noted by researchers, extreme weather events damage health infrastructure and increase migration, which makes access to HIV clinics more difficult.
Challenges in caring for the infected
Research also reveals that people living with HIV experience poorer virus suppression and treatment adherence due to extreme weather events.
Extreme weather events present new challenges with access to HIV care and treatment adherence, said Andie MacNeil, a doctoral student at the University of Toronto.
The study authors emphasize the lack of knowledge about the impact of extreme weather events on HIV among marginalized groups, such as sex workers and people who use drugs. Innovative interventions, like long-acting PrEP prevention, can improve HIV care during extreme weather events.
The integration of disaster preparedness and HIV care provides new opportunities to optimize HIV care in our changing climate, added Prof. Logie.
Researchers indicate that further studies are necessary to take more effective actions.
