In 2016, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria3 defined key and vulnerable populations as follows: Key populations: “Epidemiologically, the group faces increased risk, vulnerability and/or burden to at least one of the three diseases – due to biological, socioeconomic and structural factors. Access to relevant services is significantly lower for the group than for the rest of the population. Dedicated efforts and strategic investments are required to expand coverage, equity and accessibility. The group faces frequent human rights violations, systematic disenfranchisement, social and economic marginalization and/or criminalization, increasing vulnerability and risk and reducing access to services.” Vulnerable populations: “People whose situations or contexts make them especially vulnerable, or who experience inequality, prejudice, marginalization and limits on their social, economic, cultural and other rights.”
Synonym: key populations
Last update: 30 June 2023
Source: PPRI