Ending HIV stigma should be a national imperative

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Stigma and discrimination continue to pose formidable barriers to public health, despite ongoing education and awareness efforts. Rooted in misinformation, fear, and prejudice, these harmful attitudes and behaviours continue to affect thousands of Jamaicans living with HIV (PLHIV), undermining not only their health but also their dignity.

Stigma manifests in many ways such as, being denied jobs or housing, experiencing verbal abuse, or facing isolation from family, peers, and communities. According to the Global Fund’s annual report, in 2023, 77 cases of HIV-related discrimination were reported to the Jamaica Anti-Discrimination System (JADS), marking a 39 per cent increase from the previous year. From 2021 to 2023, communities consistently accounted for the highest percentage of reported cases 69 per cent, 64 per cent, and 76 per cent respectively, compared to other settings. These figures underscore the deep-rooted stigma within Jamaican communities, driven by entrenched cultural norms and social attitudes. Recent 2025 data from JADS further highlights this troubling trend: 88 per cent of stigma and discrimination issues occurred within communities, while 12 per cent took place in workplaces. This points to the urgent need for targeted intervention and sustained public education to foster safer, more inclusive environments for PLHIV.

Behind these statistics are real people navigating the harsh realities of stigma daily. Stigma refers to the negative beliefs and attitudes about PLHIV, while discrimination is the unjust treatment that results. These experiences can lead to mental distress, loss of economic opportunities, poor treatment adherence, and worsening health outcomes. In turn, this contributes to delayed testing and treatment further weakening the national HIV response.

Jamaican Network of Seropositives (JN+), a non-governmental organisation advocating for the rights and concerns of people living with HIV, remains at the forefront of the fight against this injustice through empowerment and advocacy. We are calling upon every sector school, churches, clinics, and workplaces to take a stand. Let us work collectively to normalise conversations about HIV, amplify the voices of those affected, and ensure that every Jamaican is treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.

OMAR MORGAN

Policy and Advocacy Officer

Jamaican Network of

Seropositives