The Vulnerability of Elmina Fisher-Folks to HIV/AIDS Contagion

Abstract

The work assesses the extent to which fisher-folks' livelihood influences their propensity to HIV/AIDS contagion. By making specific reference to fisher-folks at Elmina fishing community in the Central Province of the Republic of Ghana, it particularly challenges the proposition that fisher-folks are highly vulnerable to HIV/AIDS infection.

The study ascertains that the culture of risk denial does not extend to other dimensions of the lives of fisher-folks at Elmina. They are risk lovers owing to the risky, mobility and hard nature of their job. However, they are risk averse in terms of their social life style. Being risk averse, the study further argues that the fisher-folks at Elmina are highly likely to adopt a positive behavioral change. More so, it becomes easier to reach them with HIV/AIDS preventive measures.

Key words: Vulnerability, HIV/AIDS, fisher-folks, Elmina