To mark International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia on 17 May, the Journal of the International AIDS Society (JIAS) has published a viewpoint, “Hidden in plain sight: HIV and LGBTQIA+ realities in the Middle East and North Africa region”, authored by Nadia Ahmed, Elbushra Ali Mohamed Hereika, William Abou Shahla and Binta Sultan.
The Middle East and North African region is experiencing one of the fastest-growing HIV epidemics in the world, with incidence rising by 116% between 2010 and 2023. Key populations, particularly men who have sex with men, are disproportionately affected facing not only stigma and discrimination but also criminalization under punitive laws that shuts them out of HIV care.
The viewpoint discusses these challenges and what must change to reach the most underserved populations. Authors call for the reform of punitive laws, investment in safe and confidential HIV services for LGBTQIA+ communities and scale up of community-led initiatives that build trust and expand access.
Access the viewpoint here.
Source : JIAS
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