The COVID-19 outbreak and the HIV pandemic

ABSTRACT

The global outbreak of COVID-19 has imposed considerable stress on healthcare systems throughout the world, further complicating treatment of HIV and access to care for HIV patients. The many challenges that persons living with HIV must negotiate daily are now accentuated by COVID-19 imposed constraints. This includes the repetition and magnification of stigma, loss, isolation, psychological trauma complicated by healthcare disparities, additional barriers to accessing care, and depletion of already strained healthcare resources. The COVID-19 outbreak also introduces a new and perilous threat of COVID-19 and HIV comorbidity. Numerous challenges that arise with the COVID-19 pandemic also provide opportunities for persons with HIV to strengthen their individual coping skills, build resilience, and become a resource for their communities. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)