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Occupational Health Risks and HIV Prevention Programming for Informal Extractive Miners in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Narrative Review of Interventions, Challenges, and Lessons Learned

Author

Listed:
  • Tafadzwa Dzinamarira

    (School of Health Systems and Public Health, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 002, South Africa
    ICAP in Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe)

  • Enos Moyo

    (Department of Public Health Medicine, University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa)

  • Diego F. Cuadros

    (Department of Geography and Geographic Information Science, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA)

  • Helena Herrera

    (School of Medicine, Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Portsmouth University, Portsmouth PO1 2UP, UK)

  • Oscar Mano

    (The Department of Laboratory Diagnostic and Investigative Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe)

  • Ferris T. Munyonho

    (The Department of Laboratory Diagnostic and Investigative Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe)

  • Malizgani Mhango

    (National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia)

  • Godfrey Musuka

    (Innovative Public Health and Development Solution, Harare, Zimbabwe)

Abstract

Introduction: The objective of this narrative review is to examine the health risks associated with informal mining in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), with a particular focus on HIV prevention. It aims to review existing interventions targeting this population and identify challenges and opportunities for improvement. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Library. Studies and reports published between 2000 and 2023 that focused on occupational health risks and HIV prevention interventions in the informal mining sector of SSA were included in the analysis. Results: Informal mining in SSA presents significant health risks to workers, including exposure to hazardous substances, poor working conditions, and limited access to healthcare. These factors, combined with the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the region, make informal miners particularly vulnerable to infection. The review identified several key themes related to occupational health risks, such as poor environmental and sanitation conditions, increased vulnerability due to factors like poverty and lack of education, and limited access to healthcare services. A variety of interventions have been implemented to address HIV prevention among informal miners in SSA. These include behavioral strategies like peer education and social marketing campaigns, as well as biomedical interventions such as counseling, testing, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). However, challenges persist in delivering effective HIV prevention services to this population. These challenges include restricted access to healthcare, the high mobility of miners, limited resources, and stigma associated with HIV. Conclusions: The findings of this review highlight the urgent need for integrated health services and tailored interventions that address the specific issues faced by informal miners in SSA. Community-based and culturally sensitive programs, developed in collaboration with mining communities, are essential for effective HIV prevention. Future research should evaluate the long-term impact of interventions and explore their scalability. To improve intervention effectiveness and sustainability, stakeholders should focus on community engagement, strengthening health systems, and addressing structural barriers. A multi-sectoral approach is necessary to tackle the broader determinants of health in mining communities.

Suggested Citation

  • Tafadzwa Dzinamarira & Enos Moyo & Diego F. Cuadros & Helena Herrera & Oscar Mano & Ferris T. Munyonho & Malizgani Mhango & Godfrey Musuka, 2024. "Occupational Health Risks and HIV Prevention Programming for Informal Extractive Miners in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Narrative Review of Interventions, Challenges, and Lessons Learned," Merits, MDPI, vol. 4(4), pages 1-15, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jmerit:v:4:y:2024:i:4:p:34-489:d:1541373
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    References listed on IDEAS

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