Population mobility and its impact on the spread of HIV/AIDS: a case Study of Kilolo district, Iringa region

The study examined the relationship between population mobility and its impact on the spread of HIV/AIDS in Kilolo district, Iringa region. It identified the causes and types of population mobility and its impacts on the spread of HIV/AIDS. It also examined the social-economic impact of HIV/AIDS and it evaluates the intervening measures adopted by the people in Kilolo district on HIV/AIDS. Data collected in the study include primary and secondary data. The data was coded by using Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) and Excel. The study findings showed that there is a strong relationship between population mobility and the spread of HIV/AIDS in the areas along the main track routes and junctions. Crops, timber/wood products, heavy materials related business and contractors were observed to influence the spread of HIV/AIDS by having sexual practice with indigenous women. Social cultural practices were observed to be the major internal factors for high prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the area. Following this high rate of infections, different internal and external measures were observed to be adopted in minimizing the problem although the situation remained unchanged as a result of unchanged sexual related behaviours. Despite of this situation, the government should keep on finding out the solution to the problem. This includes encouraging working to the lazy youths, empowering women for improving their livelihood instead of sexual business. Also civil societies and government should not engage in extra marital and pre- marital sexes.