Globally, females account for half the people living with HIV. Adolescent girls and young women (10-24years) are twice as likely to acquire HIV compared to their male counterparts. Because of vulnerabilities created by unequal cultural, gender inequalities, social and economic status HIV disproportionately affects adolescent girls and young women.

Unaccommodating attitudes towards key population groups (sex workers, men who have sex with other men) can reduce their ability to access sexual health and HIV care services. In sub Saharan Africa, adolescent girls and young women make up to 10% of the population but one out of the five new HIV infections occurs among them. Globally men who have sex with other men are 27 times more likely to acquire HIV than other groups. Even in countries where same sex activity is legal, other laws discriminate against the LGBTQ people. Stigma and discrimination restrict people from accessing HIV services leading to risk behavior-a key driver to transmission.

There is also evidence that people with disabilities are at higher risk of HIV as compared to those not disabled. Tackling HIV among people with disabilities needs a rights-based approach so as to tackle the barriers holistically.

Given the paucity of literature on HIV and vulnerable groups in Third World countries, this special issue focuses on how HIV has impacted on them. Contributions in the form of research articles, case studies, reviews, manuscripts, views and opinions and poster presentations are considered for publications. This will be of interest to nurses, medical practitioners, clinical educators, nurses, care givers, human rights activists, lawyers and other health policy makers.

Aims and Scope: