Global Advanced Research Journal of Microbiology (GARJM) ISSN: 2315-5116
December 2022, Vol. 11(1), pp. 001-011
Copyright © 2022 Global Advanced Research Journals

Review

HIV/AIDS Discrimination in Nigeria: Challenges, Strategies, and Implications

Innocent Esekie

Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science Edo College of Health Sciences and Technology.

*Corresponding Author E-mail: innocentesekie1@gmail.com

Accepted 21 November, 2022 

Abstract

Nigeria continues to grapple with one of the largest HIV epidemics in the world, with approximately 1.9 million people currently living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) (UNAIDS, 2023). While the past decade has witnessed remarkable medical advances, including increased access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and the implementation of the HIV and AIDS (Anti-Discrimination) Act 2014, stigma and discrimination remain persistent barriers to the realization of national and global targets. These social challenges not only undermine HIV prevention and treatment strategies but also perpetuate cycles of inequality, human rights violations, and poor health outcomes for affected populations. This paper investigates the manifestations, prevalence, and consequences of HIV/AIDS-related discrimination in Nigeria, with particular attention to how discriminatory practices shape healthcare utilization, workplace participation, and social inclusion. A mixed-methods design was employed, integrating quantitative survey data (n = 500 PLHIV across Lagos, Abuja, and Delta States), secondary data analysis from national HIV reports, and qualitative interviews with healthcare workers, policymakers, and PLHIV. Quantitative findings indicate that 34% of participants reported healthcare denial, 27% experienced workplace exclusion, and 42% faced community-level social isolation. Statistical analysis revealed a significant negative correlation (r = -0.61, p < 0.01) between experiences of discrimination and ART adherence, suggesting that stigma remains a structural barrier to effective treatment outcomes. The qualitative findings further highlighted gender disparities, with women disproportionately affected due to intersecting gender-based and HIV-related stigma, as well as the role of cultural and religious narratives in reinforcing discriminatory attitudes. The study concludes that while legal frameworks exist, weak enforcement, limited public awareness, and entrenched socio-cultural beliefs hinder progress toward stigma reduction. The findings underscore the urgent need for multi-sectoral interventions, including the strengthening of human rights protections, sustained community-based stigma reduction programs, improved training for healthcare providers, and robust monitoring of workplace compliance with anti-discrimination legislation. This research contributes to the broader discourse on HIV and human rights in Sub-Saharan Africa, with practical implications for Nigeria’s progress toward achieving the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets and the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Nigeria, stigma, discrimination, public health, antiretroviral therapy, human rights.

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