Synthesizing Gender Based HIV Interventions in Sub-Sahara Africa: A Systematic Review of the Evidence

INTRODUCTION

Gender-informed interventions have the potential to improve HIV indicators

This systematic review examines HIV interventions in Sub-Saharan Africa that take a gender-informative approach. Researchers identify eight interventions, which utilise the following HIV indicators: biological factors, HIV risk, sexual risk, and/or violence reduction.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Evidence suggests gender-informed interventions do have the potential to improve these indicators

   Techniques such as using trained female facilitators, providing microfinance training to women, and engaging the community were found to be particularly useful.

2. Implement multi-level programmes

   These interventions suggest that programmes should also address both individual and structural levels to take into consideration the social factors that contribute to the gender gap in HIV indicators.

3. Invest in building the evidence base

   To continue building best practices for gender-informed interventions in this field, further research with longer interventions and follow-up periods must be conducted.

These interventions [solely focusing on individual behaviours] are unlikely to succeed in the long term because the social forces that make women vulnerable to HIV infection are embedded within the sexual norms of the societal conditions.

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