The Impact of HIV Decriminalization Policies on Public Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review

HIV decriminalization policies have emerged as a pivotal strategy in addressing the global HIV epidemic. This systematic review examines the impact of these policies on public health outcomes, focusing on HIV transmission rates, access to healthcare, stigma reduction, and broader systemic benefits. Drawing on studies conducted between 2019 and 2024, the review synthesizes findings from diverse geographical and social contexts, highlighting the transformative potential of decriminalization in mitigating the structural barriers associated with criminalization. The results indicate that decriminalization policies are associated with significant reductions in HIV transmission rates, with programs such as needle exchange initiatives and harm reduction services demonstrating measurable efficacy. Decriminalization also facilitates improved access to healthcare services, particularly for marginalized populations such as people living with HIV, injecting drug users, and sex workers. Additionally, these policies contribute to substantial reductions in stigma, fostering societal acceptance and encouraging engagement with healthcare systems. Despite these positive outcomes, the review identifies persistent challenges, including gaps in data from low- and middle-income countries and the need for comprehensive strategies that address broader social determinants of health. The findings reinforce the importance of integrating decriminalization policies with robust public health frameworks and community education campaigns to maximize their impact. This review contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing actionable insights for policymakers and health practitioners, emphasizing the necessity of decriminalization as a cornerstone of equitable and effective global HIV prevention and treatment strategies. Further research is recommended to explore the long-term impacts and scalability of these policies in diverse contexts.

HIV decriminalization policies have emerged as a pivotal strategy in addressing the global HIV epidemic. This systematic review examines the impact of these policies on public health outcomes, focusing on HIV transmission rates, access to healthcare, stigma reduction, and broader systemic benefits. Drawing on studies conducted between 2019 and 2024, the review synthesizes findings from diverse geographical and social contexts, highlighting the transformative potential of decriminalization in mitigating the structural barriers associated with criminalization. The results indicate that decriminalization policies are associated with significant reductions in HIV transmission rates, with programs such as needle exchange initiatives and harm reduction services demonstrating measurable efficacy. Decriminalization also facilitates improved access to healthcare services, particularly for marginalized populations such as people living with HIV, injecting drug users, and sex workers. Additionally, these policies contribute to substantial reductions in stigma, fostering societal acceptance and encouraging engagement with healthcare systems. Despite these positive outcomes, the review identifies persistent challenges, including gaps in data from low- and middle-income countries and the need for comprehensive strategies that address broader social determinants of health. The findings reinforce the importance of integrating decriminalization policies with robust public health frameworks and community education campaigns to maximize their impact. This review contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing actionable insights for policymakers and health practitioners, emphasizing the necessity of decriminalization as a cornerstone of equitable and effective global HIV prevention and treatment strategies. Further research is recommended to explore the long-term impacts and scalability of these policies in diverse contexts.