THE MALAISE OF MODERNITY: URBANIZATION, MOBILITY, AND HIV IN THE PACIFIC

Authors

John Connell, University of SydneyFollow
Joel Negin, University of SydneyFollow

Abstract

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is unevenly distributed in the Pacific. Most cases are found in Papua New Guinea (PNG). In most Pacific Island states, transmission of HIV is sexual and heterosexual. Urbanization, migration, and mobility are key influences on its distribution and spread. Migration into towns and workplaces, mobility between towns and overseas employment, and return migration influence infection rates. Sex work, mainly an urban phenomenon, is a key source of transmission. High-risk sexual behavior, migration, affluence, poverty, and inequality coincide in urban areas. Different mobile groups include commercial sex workers, skilled workers, and seafarers. Most such groups migrate often but exhibit different ri sk behavior, access to services, and HIV vulnerability. Mobility along the Highlands Highway in PNG and of i-Kiribati seafarers globally demonstrates different relationships between culture, mobility, and HIV risk. Appropriate multisec-toral HIV responses would take migration and mobility into consideration to ensure that interventions address the drivers of mobility and its speCific conseque nces.

Recommended Citation

Connell, John and Negin, Joel (2012) "THE MALAISE OF MODERNITY: URBANIZATION, MOBILITY, AND HIV IN THE PACIFIC," Pacific Studies Journal: Vol. 35: No. 3, Article 4.
Available at: https://digitalcollections.byuh.edu/pacific-studies-journal/vol35/iss3/4