A new study has revealed that climate change is making HIV prevention and treatment more difficult by damaging healthcare infrastructure and increasing exposure risks. Extreme weather events such as droughts and floods have been linked to worsening HIV outcomes, affecting both prevention and care.
The research, published in Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases, was conducted by scientists at the University of Toronto. They analyzed 22 studies and found that extreme weather events contribute to lower HIV testing rates, reduced treatment adherence, and increased risk behaviors, such as unprotected sex. Damage to clinics, displacement of communities, and resource shortages further complicate care access.
“Climate change is creating multiple challenges in the fight against HIV,” the researchers noted. They emphasized that extreme weather events not only disrupt healthcare access but also lead to food and water insecurity, which indirectly increases HIV vulnerability.
The study calls for urgent adaptation measures, including mobile pharmacies, community-based treatment programs, and increased distribution of antiretroviral drugs to ensure continuity of care during crises. Experts stress that integrating HIV care into disaster response plans is essential to counteract the growing impact of climate change on global health.