Self-reported stigma and equity of healthcare service delivery for people living with HIV who use drugs in South Africa

Abstract

Drawing from the recently completed 2020-2021 Stigma Index 2.0 study [1], this policy brief describes the stigma and discrimination reported by people living with HIV (PLHIV) who self-reported ever using drugs (like marijuana (dagga) or methamphetamines) and makes recommendations for reforms in the current policies and their implementation and practices. The Constitution of South Africa prescribes equal access to healthcare services to all its citizens, including appropriate social assistance if individuals are unable to support themselves and their dependents. The persistent stigma and discrimination at points of care and treatment against people who use drugs compromises the uptake of testing, linkage to care, and retention on treatment along the HIV treatment cascade [2,3]. Efforts to end stigmatisation and promote inclusivity in healthcare service delivery could be considered for PLHIV who use drugs.