The challenge of HIV/AIDS in the fisheries sector in developing countries

Abstract

People in the fisheries sector in developing countries are among those at highest risk to HIV and AIDS. Global data suggest that fisherfolk, including fishers, their families, fish processors and traders, are among high risk groups with infection rates that are five to ten times higher than in agricultural communities in the same areas. Geographically, the spread of HIV/AIDS in the fisheries sector mirrors the spread in the general population, with sub-Saharan Africa showing the highest incidence. Importantly, however, absolute numbers of HIV positive fisherfolk are very high in Asia due to large fishing populations, and case studies from Cambodia, Vietnam and Indonesia suggest that here, too, fisherfolk are among the high risk groups.