02353nas a2200313   4500000000100000008004100001260004600042653002100088653001200109100001600121700001200137700001200149700002100161700001500182700001400197700001600211700001500227700001600242700001100258700001400269700001700283700001600300700001800316700002100334245009200355856007800447520150000525022001402025       2023                            d  bOvid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)10aGeneral Medicine10aSurgery1 aOmosigho PO1 aJohn OO1 aMusa MB1 aAboelhassan YMEI1 aOlabode ON1 aBouaddi O1 aMengesha DT1 aMicheal AS1 aModber MAKA1 aSow AU1 aKheir SGM1 aShomuyiwa DO1 aAdebimpe OT1 aManirambona E1 aLucero-Prisno DE00aStigma and Infectious Diseases in Africa: Examining Impact and Strategies for Reduction  uhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10718398/pdf/ms9-85-6078.pdf3 a<p>Stigma poses a significant barrier to accessing care, managing, and preventing infectious diseases in Africa. We conducted an extensive search across Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar to identify relevant English-language articles, with no constraints on publication dates, using the keywords “Stigma,” and “Infectious Disease,” in conjunction with “Africa.” This article explores the multifaceted nature of stigma associated with infectious diseases, highlighting its impact on healthcare access and public health outcomes. It delves into the current situation of infectious disease-related stigma in Africa, emphasizing the various diseases and contexts affected. The article identifies drivers of stigma, including negative attitudes, misinformation, and institutional practices, and discusses their role in perpetuating discrimination. Importantly, it provides recommendations for addressing infectious disease stigma in Africa through comprehensive strategies encompassing health education, contact-based interventions, professionalized counseling and peer support services, and community engagement. The article calls for collaboration among governments, healthcare organizations, NGOs, and community leaders to implement holistic strategies that prioritize inclusivity and stigma reduction. Ultimately, it underscores the urgent need to combat stigma to improve healthcare access and outcomes for individuals affected by infectious diseases in Africa.</p>
  a2049-0801