HIV-Related Stigma Research as a Priority at the National Institutes of Health

Greenwood, Gregory L.; Wilson, Amber; Bansal, Geetha P.; Barnhart, Christopher; Barr, Elizabeth; Berzon, Rick; Boyce, Cheryl Anne; Elwood, William; Gamble-George, Joyonna; Glenshaw, Mary; Henry, Rebecca; Iida, Hiroko; Jenkins, Richard A.; Lee, Sonia; Malekzadeh, Arianne; Morris, Kathryn; Perrin, Peter; Rice, Elise; Sufian, Meryl; Weatherspoon, Darien; Whitaker, Miya; Williams, Makeda; Zwerski, Sheryl; Gaist, Paul

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recognizes that, despite HIV scientific advances, stigma and discrimination continue to be critical barriers to the uptake of evidence-based HIV interventions. Achieving the Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America (EHE) goals will require eliminating HIV-related stigma. NIH has a significant history of supporting HIV stigma research across its Institutes, Centers, and Offices (ICOs) as a research priority. This article provides an overview of NIH HIV stigma research efforts. Each ICO articulates how their mission shapes their interest in HIV stigma research and provides a summary of ICO-relevant scientific findings. Research gaps and/or future opportunities are identified throughout, with key research themes and approaches noted. Taken together, the collective actions on the part of the NIH, in tandem with a whole of government and whole of society approach, will contribute to achieving EHE’s milestones.