“Available studies focused on PWDs living with HIV in Africa have been mostly quantitative or have included participants other than PWDs living with HIV. In contrast, this qualitative review focuses
on the lived experiences of PWDs living with HIV and access to HIV services, drawing on intersectionality and the Levesque et al. framework of healthcare access within the African context.”

In this paper, we found that:

1. Accessing HIV services for women with disabilities living with HIV in the African context is challenging due to the patriarchal systems.
2. Stigma is rife within self (PWDLWH), communities and healthcare settings.
3. Poverty mitigates access to HIV services for PWDLWH.

While these appear straightforward, our analysis using an intersectional lens reveals the collisions that occur for PWDLWH because of the various social identities they have.

We concluded that:

“Researchers and programme implementers should note the intersecting issues of marginalisation that influence inequities in access to HIV services for PWDLWH. National Strategic Plans should address these specific barriers to ensure accessibility for this marginalised population.”

Special thanks to my supervisors and co-authors Dr. Julie Anne King and Dr. Jo Durham whose contributions and guidance on this project were top-notch.

The 2 rounds of reviews by reviewers also supported us in strengthening different areas of the paper, and the reviewers had amazing feedback for us.

It was humbling to have this paper accepted in a Q1 journal in the field of Disability research.

If you are working or researching in the space of HIV and disability, this is a paper for you. You can access the paper at https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2022.2051079

Looking forward to your feedback on this paper.