HIV in Eswatini: Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Strategies

This review assessed the impact of climate change on HIV transmission and HIV care of children and adults in Eswatini, and what adaptation strategies can mitigate these impacts.

The HIV crisis in Eswatini persists alongside the climate emergency, increasing poor health outcomes in individuals living with HIV. Although there is no clinical evidence of a direct influence of climate change on the biological effect of HIV, changing weather patterns have an effect on the livelihoods and sustenance of children, adults, and caregivers, which may consequently increase the likelihood of HIV transmission and disrupt HIV care.

Drought conditions—expected to increase with climate change—coupled with existing food insecurity and poverty are the main pathways linking HIV and climate change in Eswatini. Other climate-driven concerns for HIV treatment and care in Eswatini include heat waves, wildfires, floods, and storms.