The Impact of Internal Migration on HIV/AIDS Transmission in Tanzania

Abstract

This study examines the complex and dynamic relationship acting between the internal migration and the spread of HIV/AIDS in Tanzania. The study uses the Tanzania HIV/AIDS and Malaria indicators Survey (2011-2012) data extracted from the National Bureau of Statistics database. The study applied multivariate and logistic regression to analyze the determinants of HIV/AIDS prevalence in Tanzania. The study found that there are marginal differentials in the HIV/AIDS prevalence between migrants and non-migrants, but considering gender-wise differences the trend is substantially significant. The infection rate is higher to migrants aged thirty and above (17.3% for male and 17.5% for female) and with no education. The study also found that the HIV/AIDS prevalence is higher for non-agricultural occupations dominated by females while males account high percentage for non-working group. This study is important to government and stakeholders for addressing the dynamic interactions, policies and programs established to reduce the migration to the spread of the HIV/AIDS. Also, this study show how the different forms of migration influence the spread of HIV/AIDS. As a suggestion, the pilot program could be crucial and cost-effective for addressing factors contributing to the spread of HIV/AIDS.