Stigma and discrimination continue to persist within some segments of the community, where some people avoid HIV testing and treatment, thereby undermining the national HIV response, according to health officials and partners.
βThere are some HIV-response partners who do not fully engage in addressing stigma,β said a representative from the Ministry of Health during a recent briefing. βThis complacency is dangerous and threatens progress made in recent years.β
Data from UNAIDS indicates that globally, about 39 million people were living with HIV in 2023, with 1.3 million new infections that year. Stigma remains a key barrier to achieving the 95-95-95 targets (95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those on treatment, and 95% virally suppressed).
Community leaders have called for renewed efforts to combat discrimination, including awareness campaigns and support for those affected. βWe must break the silence and ensure everyone feels safe to access services,β said a local NGO coordinator.
