Can Interventions to Increase Schooling and Incomes Reduce HIV Incidence Among Young Women in Sub-Saharan Africa?

Abstract

This chapter provides insights into resolving the social issues that have led to the pre-existent disparity of young females are far more likely than young males to be infected by HIV. In this case, the structural-level problem is centered on inequitable access to education in sub-Saharan Africa. The chapter examines the impact of conditional and unconditional cash transfers on risk factors related to HIV among girls. After summarizing the existing evidence, the chapter provides a detailed description of two studies: the Schooling, Income and Health Risk study in Malawi and the Empowerment and Livelihood study in Uganda. A final section of the chapter gives recommendations for policy and future research.