Addressing Limitations to Equitable Access to Healthcare Services for People Living with HIV in Lebanon

Abstract

In Lebanon, access to healthcare services across the HIV test-treat-retain continuum of care is severely hampered for people living with HIV (PLHIV). These obstacles include a lack of awareness about HIV, poor health system arrangements, and stigma. Since 2009, Lebanon has recorded 1,893 PLHIV cases overall, with yearly incidence rates ranging from 80 to 113 cases, mostly among men who have sex with other men. Subpar cooperation between the National AIDS Control Program and stakeholders, the absence of legal safeguards for people living with HIV, financial difficulties resulting from inadequate health coverage, and centralised healthcare services mostly in Beirut are some of the major obstacles. To increase access to care, four solutions are put forth: (1) incorporating HIV treatment into primary healthcare facilities (PHCs), especially those that provide services related to sexual and reproductive health, in order to enhance continuity of care. 2) supporting and enforcing legislation that safeguards the rights of people living with HIV; (3) pressuring private insurance providers to offer full coverage for people living with HIV; and (4) creating a multisectoral national strategic plan to advance education, lessen stigma, and improve the quality of care. Financial sustainability, opposition from insurance companies and healthcare professionals, and legal and cultural barriers related to stigma and prejudice against PLHIV are some of the implementation's hurdles.