Towards and Twofold: Efficacy of HIV Intervention Strategies That Mitigate Challenges for Women in an Urban Informal Settlement, Kenya

Sarah Wanjiru; Geoffrey Wango; Pacificah Okemwa

doi:doi:10.11648/j.sjph.20261401.11

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Towards and Twofold: Efficacy of HIV Intervention Strategies That Mitigate Challenges for Women in an Urban Informal Settlement, Kenya

Sarah Wanjiru

, Geoffrey Wango^*

, Pacificah Okemwa

Published in Science Journal of Public Health (Volume 14, Issue 1)

Received: 28 November 2025 Accepted: 23 December 2025 Published: 19 January 2026

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Abstract

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) continue to devastate the world, particularly women in middle and low-income countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. This is principally because it is twofold, that is, gender and context, and thus the infection patterns differ across the gender divide because of biology, physiology, socially constructed gender norms, roles, unequal power relations and social-economic inequalities. The objective of the study was to investigate the efficacy of intervention strategies mitigating the challenges faced by women living with HIV and AIDS in Majengo informal urban settlements in Nyeri County. The study used the descriptive survey design that utilised qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data from participants was collected using the snowballing method and involved in-depth interviews, structured questionnaires and focus group discussions. The study adopted the social systems theory to incorporate consciousness and phenomenology in the construction of society, such as social-economic factors that significantly influence sexual behaviour. The study assessed knowledge and use of preventive measures against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among infected women and identified risky practices and appropriate strategies for curbing the spread of the virus. The inquiry established that the success of the HIV and AIDS intervention strategies depends largely on context-specific challenges facing various populations, such as women living with HIV and AIDS in informal urban settlements. It recommends adoption of HIV and AIDS intervention strategies that mitigate gender and context-specific challenges in informal settlements, including improved infrastructure and enhanced health.

Published in	Science Journal of Public Health (Volume 14, Issue 1)
DOI	10.11648/j.sjph.20261401.11
Page(s)	1-13
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2026. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Gender, Women, HIV and AIDS, Informal Urban Settlements, Interventions

References

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APA Style

Wanjiru, S., Wango, G., Okemwa, P. (2026). Towards and Twofold: Efficacy of HIV Intervention Strategies That Mitigate Challenges for Women in an Urban Informal Settlement, Kenya. Science Journal of Public Health, 14(1), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjph.20261401.11

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ACS Style

Wanjiru, S.; Wango, G.; Okemwa, P. Towards and Twofold: Efficacy of HIV Intervention Strategies That Mitigate Challenges for Women in an Urban Informal Settlement, Kenya. Sci. J. Public Health 2026, 14(1), 1-13. doi: 10.11648/j.sjph.20261401.11

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AMA Style

Wanjiru S, Wango G, Okemwa P. Towards and Twofold: Efficacy of HIV Intervention Strategies That Mitigate Challenges for Women in an Urban Informal Settlement, Kenya. Sci J Public Health. 2026;14(1):1-13. doi: 10.11648/j.sjph.20261401.11

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@article{10.11648/j.sjph.20261401.11,
  author = {Sarah Wanjiru and Geoffrey Wango and Pacificah Okemwa},
  title = {Towards and Twofold: Efficacy of HIV Intervention Strategies That Mitigate Challenges for Women in an Urban Informal Settlement, Kenya},
  journal = {Science Journal of Public Health},
  volume = {14},
  number = {1},
  pages = {1-13},
  doi = {10.11648/j.sjph.20261401.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjph.20261401.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.sjph.20261401.11},
  abstract = {Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) continue to devastate the world, particularly women in middle and low-income countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. This is principally because it is twofold, that is, gender and context, and thus the infection patterns differ across the gender divide because of biology, physiology, socially constructed gender norms, roles, unequal power relations and social-economic inequalities. The objective of the study was to investigate the efficacy of intervention strategies mitigating the challenges faced by women living with HIV and AIDS in Majengo informal urban settlements in Nyeri County. The study used the descriptive survey design that utilised qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data from participants was collected using the snowballing method and involved in-depth interviews, structured questionnaires and focus group discussions. The study adopted the social systems theory to incorporate consciousness and phenomenology in the construction of society, such as social-economic factors that significantly influence sexual behaviour. The study assessed knowledge and use of preventive measures against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among infected women and identified risky practices and appropriate strategies for curbing the spread of the virus. The inquiry established that the success of the HIV and AIDS intervention strategies depends largely on context-specific challenges facing various populations, such as women living with HIV and AIDS in informal urban settlements. It recommends adoption of HIV and AIDS intervention strategies that mitigate gender and context-specific challenges in informal settlements, including improved infrastructure and enhanced health.},
 year = {2026}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Towards and Twofold: Efficacy of HIV Intervention Strategies That Mitigate Challenges for Women in an Urban Informal Settlement, Kenya
AU  - Sarah Wanjiru
AU  - Geoffrey Wango
AU  - Pacificah Okemwa
Y1  - 2026/01/19
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjph.20261401.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.sjph.20261401.11
T2  - Science Journal of Public Health
JF  - Science Journal of Public Health
JO  - Science Journal of Public Health
SP  - 1
EP  - 13
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2328-7950
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjph.20261401.11
AB  - Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) continue to devastate the world, particularly women in middle and low-income countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. This is principally because it is twofold, that is, gender and context, and thus the infection patterns differ across the gender divide because of biology, physiology, socially constructed gender norms, roles, unequal power relations and social-economic inequalities. The objective of the study was to investigate the efficacy of intervention strategies mitigating the challenges faced by women living with HIV and AIDS in Majengo informal urban settlements in Nyeri County. The study used the descriptive survey design that utilised qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data from participants was collected using the snowballing method and involved in-depth interviews, structured questionnaires and focus group discussions. The study adopted the social systems theory to incorporate consciousness and phenomenology in the construction of society, such as social-economic factors that significantly influence sexual behaviour. The study assessed knowledge and use of preventive measures against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among infected women and identified risky practices and appropriate strategies for curbing the spread of the virus. The inquiry established that the success of the HIV and AIDS intervention strategies depends largely on context-specific challenges facing various populations, such as women living with HIV and AIDS in informal urban settlements. It recommends adoption of HIV and AIDS intervention strategies that mitigate gender and context-specific challenges in informal settlements, including improved infrastructure and enhanced health.
VL  - 14
IS  - 1
ER  -

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Author Information

Sarah Wanjiru

Department of Gender and Development Studies, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya

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http://orcid.org/0009-0006-6214-4554
Geoffrey Wango

Department of Psychology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya

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http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4504-5398
Pacificah Okemwa

Department of Gender and Development Studies, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya

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Wanjiru, S., Wango, G., Okemwa, P. (2026). Towards and Twofold: Efficacy of HIV Intervention Strategies That Mitigate Challenges for Women in an Urban Informal Settlement, Kenya. Science Journal of Public Health, 14(1), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjph.20261401.11

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ACS Style

Wanjiru, S.; Wango, G.; Okemwa, P. Towards and Twofold: Efficacy of HIV Intervention Strategies That Mitigate Challenges for Women in an Urban Informal Settlement, Kenya. Sci. J. Public Health 2026, 14(1), 1-13. doi: 10.11648/j.sjph.20261401.11

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AMA Style

Wanjiru S, Wango G, Okemwa P. Towards and Twofold: Efficacy of HIV Intervention Strategies That Mitigate Challenges for Women in an Urban Informal Settlement, Kenya. Sci J Public Health. 2026;14(1):1-13. doi: 10.11648/j.sjph.20261401.11

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@article{10.11648/j.sjph.20261401.11,
  author = {Sarah Wanjiru and Geoffrey Wango and Pacificah Okemwa},
  title = {Towards and Twofold: Efficacy of HIV Intervention Strategies That Mitigate Challenges for Women in an Urban Informal Settlement, Kenya},
  journal = {Science Journal of Public Health},
  volume = {14},
  number = {1},
  pages = {1-13},
  doi = {10.11648/j.sjph.20261401.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjph.20261401.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.sjph.20261401.11},
  abstract = {Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) continue to devastate the world, particularly women in middle and low-income countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. This is principally because it is twofold, that is, gender and context, and thus the infection patterns differ across the gender divide because of biology, physiology, socially constructed gender norms, roles, unequal power relations and social-economic inequalities. The objective of the study was to investigate the efficacy of intervention strategies mitigating the challenges faced by women living with HIV and AIDS in Majengo informal urban settlements in Nyeri County. The study used the descriptive survey design that utilised qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data from participants was collected using the snowballing method and involved in-depth interviews, structured questionnaires and focus group discussions. The study adopted the social systems theory to incorporate consciousness and phenomenology in the construction of society, such as social-economic factors that significantly influence sexual behaviour. The study assessed knowledge and use of preventive measures against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among infected women and identified risky practices and appropriate strategies for curbing the spread of the virus. The inquiry established that the success of the HIV and AIDS intervention strategies depends largely on context-specific challenges facing various populations, such as women living with HIV and AIDS in informal urban settlements. It recommends adoption of HIV and AIDS intervention strategies that mitigate gender and context-specific challenges in informal settlements, including improved infrastructure and enhanced health.},
 year = {2026}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Towards and Twofold: Efficacy of HIV Intervention Strategies That Mitigate Challenges for Women in an Urban Informal Settlement, Kenya
AU  - Sarah Wanjiru
AU  - Geoffrey Wango
AU  - Pacificah Okemwa
Y1  - 2026/01/19
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjph.20261401.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.sjph.20261401.11
T2  - Science Journal of Public Health
JF  - Science Journal of Public Health
JO  - Science Journal of Public Health
SP  - 1
EP  - 13
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2328-7950
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sjph.20261401.11
AB  - Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) continue to devastate the world, particularly women in middle and low-income countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. This is principally because it is twofold, that is, gender and context, and thus the infection patterns differ across the gender divide because of biology, physiology, socially constructed gender norms, roles, unequal power relations and social-economic inequalities. The objective of the study was to investigate the efficacy of intervention strategies mitigating the challenges faced by women living with HIV and AIDS in Majengo informal urban settlements in Nyeri County. The study used the descriptive survey design that utilised qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data from participants was collected using the snowballing method and involved in-depth interviews, structured questionnaires and focus group discussions. The study adopted the social systems theory to incorporate consciousness and phenomenology in the construction of society, such as social-economic factors that significantly influence sexual behaviour. The study assessed knowledge and use of preventive measures against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among infected women and identified risky practices and appropriate strategies for curbing the spread of the virus. The inquiry established that the success of the HIV and AIDS intervention strategies depends largely on context-specific challenges facing various populations, such as women living with HIV and AIDS in informal urban settlements. It recommends adoption of HIV and AIDS intervention strategies that mitigate gender and context-specific challenges in informal settlements, including improved infrastructure and enhanced health.
VL  - 14
IS  - 1
ER  -

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