The hidden epidemic: HIV Prevalence in Peri-Mining Communities
1
Key Populations: Health Systems Division, The Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A611
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
People living in peri-mining communities face heightened risk of HIV infection and are often neglected in HIV prevention efforts.¹ These communities experience increased vulnerability due to various factors associated with mining operations and related social dynamics.² The interplay of these factors, coupled with migration and mobility, have been found to be linked to increased HIV infection not only for miners working in South African mines but the people living in surrounding areas.²–⁴
METHODS:
A cross-sectional population-based household survey using stratified multistage cluster sampling was employed across seven peri-mining communities in 2024. Adults aged 18 years and above (n=1634) completed interviewer-administered questionnaires and provided blood specimens for laboratory-based HIV testing. Data were analysed using Stata Version 18.
RESULTS:
HIV prevalence across the villages, townships, and informal settlements sampled was 23.8% (95% CI: 20.2–27.9), exceeding South Africa’s national adult average of 20.4%.⁵ The prevalence was disproportionately elevated among women (30.9%; 95% CI: 25.6–36.7), individuals aged 51–59 years (38.5%; 95% CI: 28.3–49.8), those with primary education or less (32.7%; 95% CI: 25.8–40.6), and unemployed participants (24.4%; 95% CI: 20.3–29.0). Geographic variations were evident, with Bojanala district showing 13.5% prevalence compared to neighbouring districts (11.6–12.9%). Single or formerly married individuals showed higher prevalence (26.8%) than married participants, consistent with evidence linking marital instability and HIV risk in mining-affected settings.²,³
CONCLUSIONS:
The study revealed a concentrated HIV epidemic in peri-mining communities that exceeds national averages.¹,⁵ The intersection of gender, age, socioeconomic vulnerability, and geographic proximity to mining operations places people in these areas at increased risk.²–⁴ Women bear a disproportionate burden of HIV as mining contexts predispose them to gendered economic and social vulnerabilities that increase acquisition risk. Targeted women-centred prevention programs and interventions need to be prioritised. These findings support the dedication of resources and specialised programming to achieve epidemic control by 2030.¹,⁵
People living in peri-mining communities face heightened risk of HIV infection and are often neglected in HIV prevention efforts.¹ These communities experience increased vulnerability due to various factors associated with mining operations and related social dynamics.² The interplay of these factors, coupled with migration and mobility, have been found to be linked to increased HIV infection not only for miners working in South African mines but the people living in surrounding areas.²–⁴
METHODS:
A cross-sectional population-based household survey using stratified multistage cluster sampling was employed across seven peri-mining communities in 2024. Adults aged 18 years and above (n=1634) completed interviewer-administered questionnaires and provided blood specimens for laboratory-based HIV testing. Data were analysed using Stata Version 18.
RESULTS:
HIV prevalence across the villages, townships, and informal settlements sampled was 23.8% (95% CI: 20.2–27.9), exceeding South Africa’s national adult average of 20.4%.⁵ The prevalence was disproportionately elevated among women (30.9%; 95% CI: 25.6–36.7), individuals aged 51–59 years (38.5%; 95% CI: 28.3–49.8), those with primary education or less (32.7%; 95% CI: 25.8–40.6), and unemployed participants (24.4%; 95% CI: 20.3–29.0). Geographic variations were evident, with Bojanala district showing 13.5% prevalence compared to neighbouring districts (11.6–12.9%). Single or formerly married individuals showed higher prevalence (26.8%) than married participants, consistent with evidence linking marital instability and HIV risk in mining-affected settings.²,³
CONCLUSIONS:
The study revealed a concentrated HIV epidemic in peri-mining communities that exceeds national averages.¹,⁵ The intersection of gender, age, socioeconomic vulnerability, and geographic proximity to mining operations places people in these areas at increased risk.²–⁴ Women bear a disproportionate burden of HIV as mining contexts predispose them to gendered economic and social vulnerabilities that increase acquisition risk. Targeted women-centred prevention programs and interventions need to be prioritised. These findings support the dedication of resources and specialised programming to achieve epidemic control by 2030.¹,⁵
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
We process personal data collected when visiting the website. The function of obtaining information about users and their behavior is carried out by voluntarily entered information in forms and saving cookies in end devices. Data, including cookies, are used to provide services, improve the user experience and to analyze the traffic in accordance with the Privacy policy. Data are also collected and processed by Google Analytics tool (more).
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
