Abstract:

HIV remains a major public health challenge globally, particularly among key populations that experience barriers to prevention, testing, and treatment services. In Tajikistan, HIV prevalence in the general population is relatively low at approximately 0.2%; however, prevalence among people who inject drugs (PWID) is estimated at 8.9%, indicating a concentrated epidemic among this vulnerable population. HIV-related stigma and discrimination continue to limit access to healthcare services, contributing to delayed HIV testing, reduced treatment uptake, and poorer health outcomes. This research examined the impact of HIV-related stigma on access to HIV testing and treatment among PWID in Tajikistan. A review of peer-reviewed literature, epidemiological reports, and public health data from UNAIDS, the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Harm Reduction International was conducted. Data on HIV prevalence, treatment coverage, healthcare utilization, and stigma-related barriers were analyzed to assess the scope of the problem and identify evidence-based interventions. Findings indicate that PWID experience a disproportionately high burden of HIV compared with the general population. Approximately 32% of people living with HIV reported avoiding healthcare because of stigma and discrimination. HIV prevalence among PWID remains high at 8.9%, while hepatitis C prevalence reaches 61.2%. A community-based HIV stigma reduction program involving healthcare provider training, peer-led outreach, linkage-to-care services, and harm reduction referrals was proposed. Reducing HIV-related stigma is essential for increasing HIV testing, improving treatment uptake, reducing health disparities, and strengthening public health outcomes among PWID in Tajikistan.

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Mohiramo Bahronbekova is a PhD student in Healthcare Administration at Carolina University, USA. She holds a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology and a Bachelor of Public Health from Tajik State Medical University. Her research interests include HIV/AIDS, infectious disease epidemiology, global health, health disparities, and healthcare access among vulnerable populations. She is a member of the American Academy of HIV Medicine and is committed to advancing evidence-based public health research and practice.