In February 2013, the Stigma Index Research Advisory Board commissioned Impact Research International Zimbabwe (IRiZ) to carry out the Stigma Index for Zimbabwe study. The study was a ground-breaking research endeavour in Zimbabwe aimed at understanding the nature, experiences, and rates of HIV-related stigma and discrimination at a national level, subsequently providing an evidence base that will ultimately lead to implementation of more effective programmes aimed at reducing HIV-related stigma and discrimination as well as ensuring the Meaningful involvement of People Living with AIDS (MIPA) principle is enshrined in local, regional and national responses to HIV.
The study suggests that while HIV programming in Zimbabwe has focused on HIV Prevention,
Treatment Care and Support, there is still a gap with regards to HIV related stigma and
discrimination. PLHIV still experience different forms of stigma and discrimination which include
being gossiped about, exclusion from social, religious and family activities, verbal and physical abuse
among other things. HIV related stigma is reported to be still evident in the workplace, educational
institutions, and also in the health institutions. However, there is evidence that some PLHIV suffer
from self-stigma, which has affected the decisions and choices that they make.
While HIV stigma and
discrimination still needs to be addressed, it is commendable that Zimbabwe has made strides in
terms of provision of services such as VCT, ART, PMTCT as evidenced by the number of people who
reported to be on treatment, and also to have received pre and post-test counselling. In addressing
HIV related stigma and discrimination, those responsible for HIV programming should consider
addressing self-stigma, community mobilisation against stigma, lobbying for equitable health service
provision, and lastly transforming the national response and working together to ensure that HIV
related services are accessible, available and of an optimum required quality.
Download full Zimbabwe Stigma Index comprehensive reports over the years to discover more: