Mariana Vicente

Globally, women are disproportionally affected by HIV, and constitute more than half of all people living with HIV. Young women and adolescent girls are especially vulnerable, accounting for 46% of new infections in Eastern Europe and Central Asia and 29% in Western and Central Europe[1]. Recent evidence and data suggest that biological differences for example in hormonal profiles (hormonal contraception and hormone therapy included) can influence the prevention choices, treatment outcomes and retention to care with trans women being especially affected in that respect. Specific groups of women such as sex workers (14 times higher risk than other women of reproductive age)[2] and IDUs (13% living with HIV compared to 9% of their male counterparts)[3] are also disproportionally affected. Research and clinical trials have traditionally focused on male populations, a fact that has led to a lack in evidence and gaps in treatments. Finally, socio-economic conditions, like gender discrimination in the work place, intimate partner violence, carer duties, etc. make women more vulnerable and influence their treatments and health outcomes.

EATG, engaging an increasingly diversified membership, needs to be able to address the issues faced by its’ members and the populations they are representing. As more work needs to be done in the field EATG 4 Women aims to become a vocal, project oriented portfolio that promotes active involvement of the women living in Europe 53 (East, Central, West) as identified and expressed by the EATG membership.