What are the factors that accelerate risk-taking behaviours?
Some environments fuel the spread of HIV/AIDS and/or create conditions that contribute to HIV vulnerability among mobile and host populations. In particular:
Hot spots, such as cross-border areas and occupational sites, emerge from the convergence of mobile populations, the rise of entertainment and sex establishments, and the tendency for HIV risk behaviours. Hot spots are destinations for some mobile populations and transit points for others. These areas generally have high HIV prevalence rates, or the potential for rapid HIV transmission and spread.
Risk zones are places through which large numbers of people pass. They include truck stops, train and bus stations, marketplaces, ports, and customs zones. Risk zones are classified and prioritized by the kinds of risk behaviours that take place in the environment. Focusing on risk zones allows HIV/AIDS programs or projects to cover everyone potentially at risk in the area, rather than specific target groups.
Major infrastructure construction project sites. The development of roads, dams, and other large infrastructure projects can have major impacts on surrounding communities. HIV/AIDS prevalence rates may rise dramatically in such areas as a consequence of increased trade, transport, and mobility of populations.
Source communities. Mobile people often come from poor areas of the GMS. They may have little knowledge of HIV/AIDS, nor the life skills necessary to protect themselves from the virus. Mobile people may return to their home villages, towns, or cities when suffering from illnesses including HIV/AIDS. The burden of caring for such individuals may be beyond a community’s existing capabilities and resources.
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