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HIV-related stigma and access to health care among people living with HIV in Swaziland

This paper examines the effect that HIV-related stigma has on access to health care among people living with HIV in Swaziland. Drawing on an analysis of in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, it describes the difficulties they encounter in accessing antiretroviral medication and the requisite care and support, and explores the experiences and perspectives of these people and their caregivers. It documents the way stigmatisation makes it difficult for people living with HIV to access essential health care services. The findings suggest that if antiretroviral therapy programmes are to succeed, they must not only address the issue of resource scarcity but also tackle the challenge of stigmatisation and establish adequate care and support systems for these people in their families and communities.