Turning the Tide of the Impact of HIV in Black Diaspora Communities

Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012www.aids2012.org

Turning the Tide of the Impact of HIV in Black Diaspora Communities

African and Black Women

Moono Nyambe

Global Network of People Living with HIV (GNP+)

Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012www.aids2012.org

African and Black Women in the Diaspora: Who are they?

Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012www.aids2012.org

Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012www.aids2012.org

Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012www.aids2012.org

Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012www.aids2012.org

African and Black Women in the Diaspora: Who are they?

• Broad and Diverse;• Context;• Fenton – Typographies.

Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012www.aids2012.org

African and Black Women in the Diaspora:

• UK:–2010- approx. 91,500 PLHIV;– (19%-30%) remained undiagnosed;–1.5 per 1000(47 per 1000 in black women)

• Greater London – Work/personal anecdotes;• US – Disproportionate prevalence (DC).

Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012www.aids2012.org

African and Black Women in the Diaspora: Influencing factors: Vulnerability

• Wealth – economic status;• Education; • Legal and rights literacy;• Age;• Social standing;• Gender issues – social and cultural norms.

Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012www.aids2012.org

African and Black Women in the Diaspora: Common Challenges - HIV

• Fear of unknown;• Stigma and discrimination; • Shame/blame;• Anger;• Children – whether or not to have them?• Hope/drive to change;

Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012www.aids2012.org

African and Black Women in the Diaspora: Common Challenges - Social

• Power imbalances-relationships with men;• Gender based violence; • Immigration status;• Burden of care – children, extended families;• Unmatched expectations;• Keeping up appearances;

Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012www.aids2012.org

African and Black Women in the Diaspora Other Issues

• Young women (UK):– Lack of social, cultural support;–Belonging - No association with a ‘back

home’;• Women who use drugs; • Women who sell sex.

Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012www.aids2012.org

Turning the Tide: Human Rights• Positive Health Dignity and Prevention:

– Gender Equality;– Empowerment; – Social and economic empowerment;– Sexual reproductive health and rights;– Health promotion and access;– Preventing new infections.

Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012www.aids2012.org

Turning the Tide: Social/Structural

• Transformative policies – environment:–Changes in immigration rules (UK);–Obama Care?

• Social protection - reducing vulnerability:–Housing;

• Cultural and Social Norms: –Burden of care;

• Meaningful involvement: at all levels.

Washington D.C., USA, 22-27 July 2012www.aids2012.org

Change the tide?Yes, we must and we can!

Thank you

GNP+ Contact:

[email protected]