Document Type : Policy Brief
Authors
1
HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Knowledge Hub for Migrant and Refugee Health, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
2
HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
3
Social Determinants in Health Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
10.34172/jhad.1245
Abstract
Despite considerable progress in reducing HIV-related mortality and new infections in recent years, the global HIV response continues to face major social, legal, and structural barriers. Among these, stigma, discrimination, violence, and punitive laws are recognized as some of the most important factors limiting access to HIV prevention, testing, and treatment services. The 10-10-10 targets outlined in the Global AIDS Strategy 2021–2026 emphasize reducing these barriers and creating a safe and equitable environment for people living with HIV (PLHIV) and key populations. In Iran, this issue is particularly important due to the country’s complex cultural, social, and legal context. This study aimed to assess the status of HIV-related stigma, discrimination, gender inequality, and violence in Iran and to propose a framework for monitoring and evaluating societal enablers. The findings showed that although certain legal protections regarding confidentiality, non-discrimination, and access to healthcare services exist, punitive laws related to sex work, drug use, and same-sex relations, along with negative social attitudes, continue to hinder equitable access to services. The reviewed studies demonstrated that PLHIV and key populations experience high levels of internalized stigma, social exclusion, discrimination in healthcare settings, and violence. Furthermore, women living with HIV and female sex workers are exposed to extensive violence and social harms. The report emphasizes the need to institutionalize the monitoring of societal enablers within the national HIV program, standardize measurement tools, strengthen legal protections, and translate monitoring data into actionable interventions. Achieving the 10-10-10 targets in Iran requires a human rights-based, gender-sensitive, and community-centered approach that can reduce the gap between policies and social realities.
Keywords
Main Subjects
)