Investigator(s)
| WHO Technical Officer |
Tiara Mahatmi Nisa WHO SEARO, CDS Department, HHS Unit Tiara Mahatmi Nisa 
|
| Principal Investigator |
Sarah Hawkes Global Health 50/50 Sarah Hawkes
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Sadika Akhter School of Health & Social Dev | Faculty of Health Deakin University Burwood, Victoria, Australia Sadika Akhter
|
Title(s) and abstract
| Scientific title | Identifying successful practices in addressing gender, equity and human rights to tackle HIV, STIs and hepatitis in the SEARO region: a qualitative study |
| Public title | Identifying successful practices in addressing gender, equity and human rights to tackle HIV, STIs and hepatitis in the SEARO region: a qualitative study |
| Background | HIV, hepatitis infections and sexually transmitted infections (STIs; collectively HHS) contribute to a substantial burden of disease across many countries, including in the SEARO region. These infections are not equally distributed across the population, and people who have been structurally excluded from society (often on the basis of sexual orientation, drug use, young age, etc) are generally most at risk. Interventions to control many of the HHS exist and are effective, cost-effective and feasible for countries at most stages of economic development. Enhanced uptake and effective implementation rely upon promoting and realizing three core principles: attention to gender equality and wider issues of equity, and respect for human rights-based approaches (collectively, GER). For example, studies have shown that human rights-based approaches that promote decriminalization of sexual activity and protection from discrimination have been shown to be associated with higher levels of HIV knowledge as well as higher levels of viral suppression among people living with HIV. |
| Objectives | To identify the extent of the inequitable distribution of HHS in the SEARO region, as well as evidence of interventions that promote and implement core principles of GER to address HHS |
| Study Methods | The study will use both quantitative (to identify inequitable distribution) and qualitative methods (interviews with key informants and key stakeholders), supplemented with documentary literature reviews. |
| Expected outcomes and use of results | The results of the study will be communicated across the SEARO region in collaboration with WHO officers and further disseminated through peer-reviewed publication. |
| Keywords | Gender, Equity, Human Rights, HIV, viral hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infections, South-East Asia |
Research Details
| Student research | No |
| Start Date | 30-Oct-2023 |
| End Date | 29-Dec-2023 |
| Key Implementing Institution | Global Health 50/50 |
| Multi-country research | Yes |
| South-East Asia | |
| Nationwide research | No |
| South-East Asia | |
| Research Domain(s) | Communicable Disease Research |
| Research field(s) | HIV/AIDS, Gender and Sexuality, |
| Involves human subjects | Yes |
| Qualitative Study | |
| Data Collection | Primary and secondary data |
| Proposal reviewed by other Committee | No |