Closing the equity gap: A call for policy and programmatic reforms to ensure inclusive and effective HIV prevention, treatment and care for persons with disabilities in Eastern and Southern Africa

Dzinamarira, Tafadzwa; Peta, Christine; Moyo, Enos; Madziva, Roda; Eghtessadi, Rouzeh; Makoni, Tatenda; Musuka, Godfrey

Abstract

In this paper, we explore the critical barriers that persons with disabilities face in accessing HIV services in the Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) region, despite significant advancements in overall accessibility. We highlight the intersectional challenges experienced by individuals with disabilities, particularly women, and outline a comprehensive approach to bridge the existing gaps in policy and programmatic efforts. Specifically, we aim to address the exclusion of persons with disabilities from essential HIV prevention, treatment, and care services, a situation that has profound implications for their health, social inclusion, and economic productivity. In this discussion, we examine the current landscape, identify specific policy and programmatic hurdles, and propose targeted reforms, in an effort to contribute to the ongoing discourse on health equity and inclusivity.

Citation

Dzinamarira, T., Peta, C., Moyo, E., Madziva, R., Eghtessadi, R., Makoni, T., & Musuka, G. (2024). Closing the equity gap: A call for policy and programmatic reforms to ensure inclusive and effective HIV prevention, treatment and care for persons with disabilities in Eastern and Southern Africa. 00 Journal not listed, 7, Article 100131. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hpopen.2024.100131

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Oct 14, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Oct 18, 2024
• Publication Date: Dec 15, 2024
• Deposit Date: Oct 21, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 21, 2024
• Journal: Health Policy OPEN
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 7
• Article Number: 100131
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hpopen.2024.100131
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/40855678
• Publisher URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590229624000169
• Additional Information: This article is maintained by: Elsevier; Article Title: Closing the equity gap: A call for policy and programmatic reforms to ensure inclusive and effective HIV prevention, treatment and care for persons with disabilities in Eastern and Southern Africa; Journal Title: Health Policy OPEN; CrossRef DOI link to publisher maintained version: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hpopen.2024.100131; Content Type: article; Copyright: © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V.