Estimates of HIV burden in emergencies
2008

Estimating the Impact of Emergencies on People Living with HIV

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Massimo Lowicki-Zucca, Peter B. Spiegel, Sarah Kelly, K-L Dehne, Neil Walker, Pascal D. Ghys

Primary Institution: United Nations Children Fund

Hypothesis

To quantify the proportion of people living with HIV who are being affected by emergencies.

Conclusion

In 2006, 1.8 million people living with HIV were affected by emergencies, highlighting the need for integrated HIV interventions in emergency response plans.

Supporting Evidence

  • In 2006, 1.8 million PLHIV were affected by emergencies, representing 5.4% of the global total.
  • An estimated 930,000 women and 150,000 children under 15 years living with HIV were affected by emergencies in 2006.
  • Sub-Saharan Africa had the largest number of emergency-affected people living with HIV.

Takeaway

This study found that many people with HIV are affected by emergencies like wars and natural disasters, so it's important to help them during these tough times.

Methodology

Estimates were developed using data from eight publicly available databases and sources, focusing on populations affected by emergencies and combining this with HIV estimates for specific years.

Potential Biases

There is a risk of overestimation or underestimation due to difficulties in measuring populations affected by emergencies, especially in non-refugee camp settings.

Limitations

The estimates may be biased due to the lack of standardization in humanitarian appeals and potential double counting of populations affected by overlapping emergencies.

Participant Demographics

The study focused on people living with HIV, including women and children, affected by emergencies.

Statistical Information

Confidence Interval

1.3–2.5 million for PLHIV affected by emergencies in 2006.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1136/sti.2008.029843

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