A study published in BMC Women’s Health (Nakamanya, S., Okello, E.S., Kwena, Z.A. et al. Social networks, mobility, and HIV risk among women in the fishing communities of Lake Victoria. BMC Women’s Health 22, 555 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-022-02144-8) concludes that social networks and groupings among women in the fishing communities of Lake Victoria could be useful in tailoring HIV prevention and HIV care interventions to suit the needs of these highly mobile populations.
Noting that population mobility is a demonstrated barrier to reducing HIV incidence, the study argues that a clear understanding of social networks and their influence on mobility among women in the fishing communities of Lake Victoria may contribute to tailoring effective interventions that suit the needs of these mobile women.
Different social groupings/networks existed among women in the fishing communities of Lake Victoria. These included female sex workers, women fish processors/traders, women bar workers/owners, restaurant workers, and family networks. Networks encouraged mobility, supporting finding work opportunities, but also increased sexual risks through partner changes. The benefits of networks included information sharing, financial support, and group protection, especially against violence, the study found.