Gender disparities in HIV infections: A narrative review of the persistent vulnerability of adolescent girls in Sub-Saharan Africa

Authors

  • Shuaibu S. Musa School of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0138-3261
  • Zhinya K. Othman Department of Pharmacy, Kurdistan Technical Institute, Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan Region, Iraq https://orcid.org/0009-0008-3914-0867
  • Kehinde P. Fadele Department of Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Enugu, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0464-4167
  • Mohamed M. Ahmed Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, SIMAD University, Mogadishu, Somalia https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5991-4052
  • Olalekan J. Okesanya Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Maritime Transport, University of Thessaly, Volos, Greece https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3809-4271
  • Adamu M. Ibrahim Department of Immunology, School of Medical Laboratory Science, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3657-7541
  • Abubakar S. Ishak School of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand https://orcid.org/0009-0003-8612-4820
  • Muhammad Y. Alhassan Department of Public Health, Symbiosis Institute of Health Sciences, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, India https://orcid.org/0009-0001-5811-6669
  • Emmanuel A. Oyinloye Department of Virology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University College Hospital, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1083-5573
  • Praise O. Ogunleke Department of Medicine and Surgery, College of Health Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria. https://orcid.org/0009-0009-2426-8048
  • Hassan O. Alaka College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taiwan https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9552-8104
  • Abdulrahman G. Jibo Department of Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand https://orcid.org/0009-0009-2685-7305
  • Pearl IVD. Paz School of Nursing and Health Sciences, Biliran Province State University, Naval, Biliran, Philippines https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2265-6564
  • Don E. Lucero-Prisno III Department of Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.52225/narrax.v3i2.211

Keywords:

Adolescent girls, HIV prevention, Sub-Saharan Africa, gender disparities, vulnerability

Abstract

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) disproportionately affects adolescent girls and young women (AGYW), who face a risk of infection up to three times higher than their male peers. SSA accounts for 65% of the global HIV burden, with Eastern and Southern Africa showing particularly high rates. The aim of this study was to examine the persistent gender disparities in HIV infections, focusing on the biological, social, and structural drivers of AGYW’s heightened vulnerability. Biological factors such as immature cervical development and hormonal influences intersect with social determinants, including gender inequality, cultural norms, and economic pressures. These factors reduce young women’s ability to negotiate safer sexual practices and increase reliance on transactional relationships with older partners. Despite initiatives such as determined, resilient, empowered, AIDS-free, mentored, and safe (DREAMS) and Education Plus, barriers such as stigma, gender-based violence, and limited access to youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services persist. Addressing these disparities requires multi-level, gender-responsive interventions that strengthen healthcare access, expand female-controlled prevention options, and promote education and economic empowerment. Closing the gender gap in HIV outcomes will demand sustained policy commitment and community engagement tailored to the needs of adolescent girls in SSA.

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Published

2025-09-12

Issue

Section

Review Article