The Providers, Representation Needed to Normalize HIV Care, Prevention

Representation is key, while provider connectivity and keeping the health care continuum aware of HIV care and prevention are the best ways to ameliorate stigma in this space. With pharmacists, physicians, and other providers coming together to address patients’ HIV concerns, the US is not far from making HIV care and prevention a normal process within practices across the country.

“Primary care providers [can] become more comfortable with HIV care delivery and not simply refer to the infectious disease experts,” Kenric B. Ware, PharmD, MBA, AAHIVP, clinical associate professor of pharmacy practice at Mercer University, told Drug Topics. “We want to make sure that [providers] don't inadvertently perpetuate stigmas themselves from not being as comfortable."

Now addressing challenges in the HIV space across the entirety of health care, Ware discussed the avenues for dispelling misinformation and avoiding stigmatization.

More specifically, he addressed the work providers can be doing to avoid perpetuating stigma. He even addressed the representation needed across advertisements, awareness campaigns, and more that can truly transform health care equality in the US.

Learn more about HIV care stigma and what pharmacists are doing to address these issues right now. Furthermore, get expert insights from Ware, an HIV care specialist who’s led discussions and presentations on the best ways for eliminating HIV stigma.

READ MORE: HIV Resource Center

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