This brief describes the pathways through which social protection contributes to HIV prevention, particularly in addressing the social, economic and structural drivers of HIV in adolescents. Drawing on evidence from various studies of cash transfer programmes in Africa this brief finds that cash transfers contribute to preventing HIV by reducing risky sexual behaviour, reducing economic insecurity and improving access to healthcare.
On the basis of the findings the brief provides a range of policy recommendations and considers the ethical considerations of conditioning cash transfers on HIV status. It also points to evidence gaps and makes research suggestions, which include understanding ‘transmission mechanisms’, the role of design features and accounting for the costs of implementing social protection.
Adapted from authors’ summary.