HIV risk and prevention in emergency-affected populations: A review

While basic guidelines on HIV prevention in emergencies have been available for several years, international agencies involved in the provision of hea lth services have not placed sufficient priority, on the prevention of the human immune deficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted infectio ns (STIs) in complex emergencies. This payer reviews the factors that may i ncrease the risk of HIV transmission in populations affected by complex eme rgencies and outlines recommendations for research and programmes. Research into the most appropriate methods of carrying out HIV surveillance and int erventions in these settings is needed. In the post-emergency phase program mes need to be far more extensive than those offered under the Minimal Init ial Services Package (MISP). While the potential for stigmatisation represe nts ala important constraint, there is a need to prioritise HIV/STI interve ntions in order to prevent HIV transmission in emergency-affected populatio ns themselves, as well as to contribute to regional control of the epidemic .