HIV/AIDS-Related Stigma and Discrimination in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Review

Abstract

HIV/AIDS-related stigma continues to be a global threat to HIV care, treatment and prevention especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of this narrative review was to examine the different context of HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination, and its consequence in Sub-Saharan Africa. This review is significant as it will inform policy makers on HIV/AIDS to be enable to combat HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination as well as promote the rights of people living with HIV/AIDS. Detailed literature search was done using CINAHL, MEDLINE and EMBASE databases where relevant papers were selected. Also, relevant grey literature such as reports and newspapers were included in the review using the Google search engine. The review revealed that HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination has resulted in loss of jobs and accommodation as well as difficulty in accessing healthcare and education among people living with HIV/AIDS. People living with HIV/AIDS have also suffered stigma and discrimination in the family and at church. Although strenuous efforts has been made to fight against HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination in Sub-Saharan Africa, a lot more needs to be done. There is therefore the need to intensify educating people to see persons living with  HIV/AIDS as 'normal' people. Governments should ensure that people living with HIV/AIDS have equal access to education, healthcare, housing and jobs. Also, the rights of people living with HIV/AIDS should be promoted.