Reducing HIV Stigma Can Improve Patient Care, Provider Connectivity

Despite the significant strides made throughout this century, a variety of stigmas continue to surround HIV care, prevention, and treatment. With pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)—as well as more advanced test and treatment options—being a saving grace for many at-risk populations, reducing stigmas in this space may even further improve HIV-related patient outcomes.

“That's a really big stigma point toward PrEP that, in and of itself, people believe that it's leading to increases in STIs, which it really is not,” Kenric B. Ware, PharmD, MBA, AAHIVP, clinical associate professor of pharmacy practice at Mercer University, told Drug Topics. “Another stigma that exists is the notion that anyone living with HIV can transmit it to other people; well, in reality, that's not true either.”

In a recent webinar hosted by the National Pharmaceutical Association (NPhA), Ware presented to a pharmacist-based audience on ways in which they can work to reduce stigma and harm throughout HIV care models today. The continuing pharmacy education session was titled “Safe Spaces: Pharmacist-Led HIV Stigma Reduction & Harm Reduction Models."

Part 1 of our interview with Ware explores those stigmas that are continuously perpetuated throughout society and how they have been able to exist in a much more diverse and inclusive health care sector.

From society’s role down to that of patients, providers, and everyday Americans, learn from Ware about the common stigmas of today and the factors holding back patients with HIV from receiving the care they deserve.

READ MORE: HIV Resource Center

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