Review of HIV in Conflict-affected Regions

Mwende Muthoni D.

Faculty of Medicine Kampala International University Uganda

ABSTRACT

Armed conflict profoundly alters the epidemiology, prevention, and treatment of HIV by disrupting health systems, displacing populations, and exacerbating structural vulnerabilities. This narrative review synthesizes evidence from seven conflict-affected regions, including Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and North Africa, Central and South Asia, Eastern Europe and the Caucasus, Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Iraq, to examine how conflict dynamics shape HIV transmission risks, access to prevention and care, and the functionality of health systems. Findings indicate that while conflict can heighten exposure to HIV through sexual violence, population mobility, and weakened social protection systems, the relationship is neither linear nor uniform across contexts. Severe disruptions to testing, antiretroviral therapy (ART), and continuity of care emerge as recurrent challenges, compounded by limited surveillance, data scarcity, and humanitarian response gaps. Key populations, including displaced persons, women, adolescents, and people who inject drugs, face amplified risks due to stigma, insecurity, and exclusion from services. Methodological inconsistencies and contextual data gaps further hinder accurate assessment of epidemic trends. Strengthening ethical research practices, improving HIV data systems tailored to crisis settings, and expanding evidence-based, adaptable service delivery models are imperative for mitigating HIV-related vulnerabilities in conflict zones. The review highlights the urgent need for coordinated policies and sustainable investments that safeguard HIV services before, during, and after conflict.

Keywords: HIV in conflict settings, Humanitarian health systems, Displacement and HIV risk, Antiretroviral therapy (ART) disruption, and Epidemiological surveillance.

CITE AS: Mwende Muthoni D. (2026). Review of HIV in Conflict-affected Regions. IDOSR JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH 11(1):18-24. https://doi.org/10.59298/IDOSRJSR/2026/11.1.1824