HIV Stigma Policy Implementation is Critical to Attaining UN Zero Stigma Target: The Nigerian Experience

A stigmatizing environment poses service barriers.The enactment of HIV Anti-stigma Law 2014 in Nigeria was aimed at creating an environment without stigma.However, the effect of policy on stigma is unknown.This study was done to determine if policy contributed to HIV stigma decline.I conducted a cross-sectional Stigma Index study in 2021 in collaboration with Network of PLHIVs in 16 States and FCT.A stigma index questionnaire was administered to 1,235 PLHIVs.living with HIV.I also conducted secondary review of two previous Stigma Index surveys (2011 and 2014).Then utilised a one-sample Z-test to test the differences in PLHIV stigma in my study in 2021 (after laws) and in the secondary review in 2011 (before laws).The Z test revealed that stigma was significantly higher in 2011 before laws than in 2021 after laws.Similarly, the Z test showed stigma was significantly higher in 2011(without stigma law) than in 2014 (law developed).However, on testing the period 2014 and 2021 where laws were available in both years, the Z-test showed there was no difference in both years for some forms of stigma while for other forms, it was higher in 2014 than 2021.This confirms that after stigma policies in 2014, stigma dropped such that stigma in 2014 and 2021 wasn't significant for some behaviours.Although laws have contributed to stigma reduction the UN's Zero Stigma target is yet unachieved.Zero stigma may not be reached if implementation of laws is not sustained as donor funding dwindles.