STIGMA, SILENCE, AND SPREAD: A NARRATIVE REVIEW OF SOCIOCULTURAL BARRIERS CONTRIBUTING TO HIV TRANSMISSION IN ISLAMABAD

Abstract

Objective: To identify sociocultural barriers that influence the pattern of HIV transmission in Islamabad and to critically review the evidence on stigma related barriers in relation to testing, treatment access and awareness regarding prevention of HIV in Pakistan (2021-2026).

Study Design: Narrative review.

Methodology: A structured literature search of WHO reports, UNAIDS updates, National AIDS Control Programme surveillance summaries, PubMed-indexed regional studies, and relevant grey literature published between 2021 and 2026 was conducted. A total of approximately 120 documents were identified, of which 48 full-text articles were assessed as eligible, and 19 surveys were included in the final thematic synthesis.

 Results: Studies report that 80% of people with HIV are unaware of their HIV status in Pakistan, only 16% are receiving HAART and due to sociocultural stigmas, taboo on discussions of sexual health, gender differences in vulnerability to HIV, misinformation channels and discrimination in health settings have led to lower rate of voluntary testing and initiation of treatment. The growing number of HIV infections among children, the increasing rate of diagnosis in Islamabad reflects the remaining prevention deficit which is attributed to structural and behavioral determinants.

Conclusion: In Islamabad the mode of HIV transmission seems to be significantly affected by socio-cultural factors rather than solely barriers to biomedical services. It is crucial to combat stgma- induced silence and break hidden HIV transmission cycles through community-oriented and culturally sensitive information campaigns, engagement methods and digital education approaches to overcome and complement Pakistan's HIV prevention efforts.