Key Populations and HIV Response: Case Study of Sub-Sahara Africa

Background: The key populations contribute substantially to the HIV infections. It is on record that HIV affects key communities disproportionately throughout the world. In SSA, for instance, 70% newly diagnosed HIV cases in 2021 were related to key populations and their sexual partners. Also, in the region, studies revealed that 30% of people who inject drugs are estimated to be living with HIV. Method: Materials containing HIV interventions of all kinds were included in a desk evaluation of the body of research conducted which constituted the study’s methodology. Results: The study unearthed importance policy decision requires to in a bid to contain the spread of the new HIV transmission and acquisition among the key populations. Importantly, reducing the spread of HIV among KPs requires engaging hard-to-reach communities and offering client-centered care through community-led programs. This can be done by using diversified service delivery models to provide HIV prevention, testing, and treatment services in a way that allows priority populations to get them without facing discrimination and stigmatization, Conclusion: Differentiated service delivery led by the KPs community, including policy reforms and divine interventions, are some of the strategies required to tackle the spread of the new HIV infections among the key populations and, by extension, the general population.