THE HIV HEALTH CHALLENGE FOR PEOPLE LIVING IN INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS – ARE ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS AN EXACERBATING FACTOR?

Abstract

ISEE-451 Aim: To provide an overview of the environmental health HIV specific challenges for communities living in informal settlements in South Africa and to draw from research, to indicate areas for policy development and action. Methods: A review of existing literature. The analysis of results of data collected at clinics providing antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) to immuno-compromised people living in a range of urban settlement types. An assessment of the environmental health risks experienced by people living in the three informal settlement pilot sites, where the Johannesburg City Council is involved in HIV prevention and care initiatives. A review of current NGO and FBO responses to HIV in these pilot settlements. Results: Current housing policy dealing with informal settlements fails to acknowledge the added environmental health risks and challenges faced by those living in informal settlements. Further, the higher community HIV prevalence in informal settlements (more than double when compared to other settlement types) highlights the additional risks that HIV positive people whose immune systems are severely compromised, are already exposed to. Informal settlements are characterised by a more mobile population and less well developed social infrastructure. These findings point to the need for targeted environmental health policy in informal settlements. Conclusion: Informal settlements require special attention in the prevention treatment and care of people who are HIV positive. These include environmental health interventions and community capacity development, working with social capital in the communities through the establishment of partnerships. The study findings will be used to inform policy regarding the upgrading of informal settlements in the Johannesburg area. The findings will also have the potential to inform national housing policy.