Gender-based violence connected to HIV rates in the Middle East

In some parts of the world, women who experience partner violence are 1.5 times more likely to be affected by HIV than women who do not. Amongst neglected populations, including transgender women or sex workers, higher rates of violence are linked with an increasing prevalence of HIV infections.

High levels of gender-based violence combined with the discrimination and stigma associated with HIV are preventing several countries from making significant progress against the viral epidemic in the Middle East and North Africa region.

Gender-based violence in the MENA region is strongly connected to gender norms and stereotypes. LEARN MENA was launched last year to help women affected by HIV by offering a space to share their experiences and to explore the links between gender-based violence and HIV in the region.

The MENA region has a concentrated HIV epidemic, with a large number of cases from disregarded communities. This includes female sex workers, female intravenous drug users and women from bisexual, lesbian or transgender communities. Women from these key populations are more vulnerable to violence and thus more susceptible to HIV.

The project focussed on HIV-infected women due to explore the link between gender-based violence and HIV. Furthermore, notifying partners can also trigger cases of gender-based violence, and discrimination can significantly impede a woman’s access to HIV treatment and prevention services due to the abuse some women suffer from healthcare providers.

Findings from the project emphasise the need to advocate for an improved response to the HIV epidemic in the Middle East and North Africa region. Measures need to be taken to reduce the impact of violence against women who are affected by or living with HIV. UNAIDS is supporting countries in the implementation of recommendations and action plans developed as a result from LEARN MENA project findings.