World AIDS Day is a powerful reminder of the progress we’ve made in fighting HIV and the work that remains to overcome stigma and systemic inequities. Despite advancements in treatment and prevention that have transformed the lives of people living with HIV (PLWH), misconceptions and discrimination continue to prevent many from seeking care, fueling disparities in health outcomes. In my previous roles overseeing sexual health clinics and the Ryan White Part A Program for the Saint Louis Transitional Grant Area, I focused on implementing evidence-informed strategies and utilizing quality improvement tools. As a Black male physician and public health professional in the United States, this commitment allowed me to effectively address and remove systemic barriers to sexual health education and treatment for vulnerable populations by implementing evidence-based strategies and improving healthcare systems to better serve PLWH. `On this World AIDS Day, I reaffirm my commitment to advocating for equitable access to care and advancing public health initiatives that promote inclusivity and support for all communities affected by HIV. Together, we can continue to support the rights and needs of those living with HIV, fostering a healthier future for everyone.
Common Misconceptions About HIV
Despite decades of public health campaigns, myths about HIV persist and harm those affected. Addressing these misconceptions is critical to reducing stigma and improving care access:
1. HIV Is a Death Sentence:
With antiretroviral therapy (ART), people living with HIV (PLWH) can live long, healthy lives and prevent transmission (CDC, 2023).
2. HIV Only Affects Certain Groups:
HIV can affect anyone, but higher rates among Black, Latino, and LGBTQ+ communities are due to systemic inequities, not biology.
3. HIV Can Be Transmitted Through Casual Contact:
HIV cannot spread through hugging, shaking hands, or sharing utensils–It requires specific modes of transmission, such as unprotected sex or sharing needles.
4. People with HIV Cannot Have Children Safely:
With proper medical care, mother-to-child transmission during the process of giving birth can be reduced to less than 1% (UNAIDS, 2023).
5. People with an Undetectable Viral Load Are Contagious:
PLWH who maintain undetectable viral loads for at least 6 months cannot transmit HIV sexually, a fact known as U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable) (CDC, 2023).
How Stigma Undermines Health Equity
HIV stigma disproportionately harms already marginalized communities, compounding the challenges they face. Black Americans account for 42% of new HIV diagnoses despite making up only 13% of the U.S. population (CDC, 2023). LGBTQ+ individuals and those in low-income and rural areas also bear a disproportionate burden. HIV-related stigma significantly impedes public health efforts by silencing discussions, deterring testing, and creating barriers to accessing treatment. A systematic review by Feyissa et al. (2019) found that stigma and discrimination in healthcare settings adversely affect access to and adherence to HIV treatment programs. Similarly, a meta-analysis by Nyashanu et al. (2024) identified that perceived stigma leads to non-disclosure, lack of adherence, and avoidance of healthcare services among people living with HIV. These findings underscore the critical need to address stigma to improve engagement in HIV prevention, testing, and treatment services.
Addressing stigma is central to advancing health equity—ensuring everyone has access to the care and resources they need—and health justice, which involves dismantling the systemic barriers that sustain inequities.
Advancing Health Equity and Justice
Health equity means ensuring that everyone, regardless of their race, gender, gender identity, or socioeconomic status, has access to the resources and care they need. Health justice goes further by addressing systemic inequalities like racism, homophobia, transphobia, and economic barriers. Achieving these goals requires:
– Expanding HIV care in underserved areas.
– Addressing social determinants of health, such as poverty and housing instability.
– Promoting inclusive, culturally appropriate healthcare practices to reduce stigma in clinical settings. For example, a community health clinic can implement staff training on cultural sensitivity, use inclusive signage, adopt nonjudgmental language during consultations, and partner with local Black LGBTQ+ organizations to host educational workshops on HIV prevention. These efforts create a stigma-free environment, increase trust, and improve healthcare access for marginalized populations.
Simple Ways You Can Advance Health Equity
You can help end HIV stigma and promote health equity with simple actions. Start by learning the facts about HIV transmission, prevention, and treatment from trusted sources like the CDC, and share this knowledge to dispel myths, such as the truth that people with undetectable viral loads for six consecutive months cannot transmit the virus (U=U). Show support by offering empathy to individuals living with HIV and speaking out against discriminatory language or behavior. Volunteering with local organizations that provide testing, education, and treatment is another impactful way to contribute, especially for groups with limited resources. Engage your community in conversations about HIV stigma and health equity to normalize these discussions and inspire collective action. Lastly, advocate for systemic change by urging policymakers to expand healthcare access and funding for HIV services while amplifying grassroots campaigns. Together, these efforts can break down stigma, foster understanding, and ensure equitable care for all.
World AIDS Day is a call to action. It’s a time to educate, support, and advocate for change. By addressing misconceptions, reducing stigma, and advancing health equity, we can create a future where everyone, regardless of background, can access life-saving care and live without fear of discrimination. I call on all of us—healthcare providers, policymakers, advocates, and community members—to join this fight. We must speak out against stigma, demand systemic change, and ensure that every person living with HIV has the opportunity to thrive.
References
– Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). HIV Surveillance Report, 2023. Retrieved from [https://www.cdc.gov](https://www.cdc.gov)
– Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). HIV Basics: U=U. Retrieved from [https://www.cdc.gov](https://www.cdc.gov)
– UNAIDS. (2023). Preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Retrieved from [https://www.unaids.org](https://www.unaids.org)
-Feyissa, G. T., Abebe, L., Girma, E., & Woldie, M. (2019). Stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV in healthcare settings: A systematic review. PLoS ONE, 14(1), e0211298. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0211298
-Nyashanu, M., Simiyu, C., & Gibbs, A. (2024). The impact of HIV-related stigma on health-seeking behavior and treatment adherence: A meta-analysis. International Journal of Reproductive, Contraception, Obstetrics and Gynecology, 13(1), 56-64. https://doi.org/10.18203/ijrcog.v13i1.13704
#EndHIVStigma #WorldAIDSDay #HealthEquity
Keywords: HIV stigma, World AIDS Day, health equity, HIV awareness, AIDS prevention
