Women, HIV & violence – Egypt
In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, new HIV infections are on the rise.
This is in stark contrast to the global trend, which has seen an overall year-on-year reduction.
Although on paper Egypt still has one of the lowest prevalence rates in the world, HIV activists in the country, many whom are practically working undercover due to high levels of stigma, will tell you that the stats are “wildly underestimated” and how HIV in Egypt is “a disaster”.
Additionally, due to gender inequality and norms, women and girls are disproportionately affected.
Photography and stories for Frontline AIDS.
The ‘LEARN MENA’ project supported women living with HIV and experiencing violence, as evidence shows that one increases the risk of the other.
Except for staff, all names have been changed, and photos taken anonymously.
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"I think squashing female thought and independence has become normal. If you raise a daughter saying she should not go out or have money, and that her brother has a say in anything she does, then she is not taught how to express herself, or defend herself," - Reda Shukry, founder of Al Shehab Foundation, partner in the LEARN MENA project.

"I work here because there is a lack of HIV awareness. If people know the facts they can protect themselves."
One woman asked if the cockroaches in her apartment could pass on the virus, indicating how hard it is to get hold of accurate information.

Many women tell how they have resorted to sex work to buy food for themselves and their children. Either because their husband had left them, or died, and they were not financially independent, or because after paying bills and buying drugs, food was at the bottom of the list.


While far from ideal, Reda shares how she is proud that her staff continue to work even when there is no funding.
The underestimated HIV data - and government denial - means Egypt has suffered from not having the real amount of investment needed.