By NDUMISO TSHUMA
Transgender individuals continue to face numerous challenges in accessing healthcare, particularly when it comes to HIV prevention and treatment.
Speaking at a workshop hosted by Trans Smart Trust in Gweru recently, the spokesperson who wanted to be identified as Nathan, highlighted the urgent inequalities affecting transgender people.
Nathan noted that recent studies show alarmingly high HIV prevalence rates among transgender individuals, with rates 14 times higher than the general population, particularly affecting those aged 15 to 49.
“Recent country reports indicate that only 27.9% of transgender individuals were covered in the past three months. Criminalization, stigma, discrimination, and violence based on gender identity continue to be significant barriers to achieving social justice, equality, and access to HIV services,” Nathan said.
Nathan emphasized that transgender women, in particular, are at heightened risk of HIV infection, with social determinants such as limited job opportunities, legal barriers, and mental health struggles significantly influencing behaviours that increase HIV transmission risk.
“These factors contribute to behavioural risks like condomless sex, unsafe transactional sex, and needle sharing for hormone injections, leading to stark inequalities in HIV outcomes,” Nathan explained.
He further addressed how drug and alcohol use are often coping mechanisms for the mental health challenges stemming from societal stigma and personal experiences of discrimination.
“Drug and alcohol use is common and may be a way to cope with gender dysphoria, stress, and anxiety, or to ease the difficulties of engaging in sex work,” Nathan said.
Nathan also highlighted that the lack of targeted interventions and community support systems leaves many transgender individuals without the necessary resources to safeguard their health.
“Transgender individuals may unknowingly expose themselves to HIV through healthcare practices such as sharing syringes for injecting drugs, hormones, or silicone. Additionally, they are more likely to contract HIV through sexual contact with a partner who injects drugs,” he said.
Nathan warned that without immediate action, the healthcare access gap for transgender people will continue to widen, exacerbating the ongoing HIV crisis.
“Healthcare must be equitable and inclusive for all. Until fundamental changes are made, countless transgender individuals will remain vulnerable, grappling with both the societal challenges of gender identity and the health risks posed by inadequate access to services,” Nathan concluded.
