Senior Consultant Infectious Diseases, Hamad Medical Corporation | Professor Clinical Infectious Diseases, Qatar University

In a warm and engaging chat with MedEdge MEA, Dr. Mas Chaponda, a leading infectious diseases expert, opens up about his hope for an HIV-free MENA region. With genuine care, he explains how education, wider testing, and advanced treatments—like easy-to-take single pills and injectable PrEP—can change lives. Dr. Chaponda stresses breaking down stigma and reaching young people with relatable, sensitive campaigns to shift mindsets. His thoughtful insights show how raising awareness and improving care access can connect diagnosis to lasting treatment, inspiring healthier, more connected communities.

MedEdge MEA: Where do you see the biggest opportunities for healthcare systems in the MENA region to improve the link between HIV diagnosis and long-term care, to move closer to an HIV-free future?

Dr. Mas Chaponda: There are significant opportunities to strengthen healthcare systems in the MENA region and beyond. The primary focus should be on increasing HIV awareness through education and expanding access to treatments and prevention. However, the most crucial opportunity in the MENA region is enhancing HIV testing. We need to integrate testing into hospitals and primary care settings and expand access to self-testing kits in pharmacies, Voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) centers, and NGOs where available. Testing will help identify undiagnosed individuals, link them to care promptly, and ensure their well-being while reducing onward transmission, as treatment serves as an effective prevention tool.

ME: How are recent advancements in treatments and prevention changing the way HIV is managed today?

MC: Treatment options for HIV have significantly improved. We now have single-tablet regimens combining triple therapy that are highly effective, safe, and well-tolerated with few, if any, drug interactions. These therapies also have a high barrier to resistance, ensuring they remain effective against the virus in the long term. Additionally, prevention options have expanded. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is now available for individuals at high risk of acquiring HIV. Oral PrEP is 99% effective when taken as prescribed, while injectable PrEP has shown 100% efficacy in preventing HIV transmission.

Reducing stigma and discrimination is key to improving adherence and overall well-being for people living with HIV.

ME: What factors help improve treatment adherence among people with HIV (PWH)?

MC: Reducing stigma and discrimination is key to improving adherence and overall well-being for people living with HIV. Societal acceptance plays a vital role in encouraging individuals to stick to their treatment regimen. Simple treatment options, like single-tablet pills that combine all necessary medications, also enhance adherence. These treatments are effective even if an occasional dose is missed. Moreover, the lack of food restrictions and flexibility in dosing schedules make adherence easier for patients. Additionally, long-acting injectable therapies, which require administration once every two months or, in some cases, every six months, have also significantly improved adherence, particularly among individuals who struggle with oral medications or travel frequently.

ME: What are the main challenges in identifying and treating undiagnosed HIV cases in the region, and how can they be overcome?

MC: The primary challenges include a lack of awareness, insufficient data, limited testing availability, and restricted access to prevention options. There is a cultural stigma surrounding HIV, making it difficult to discuss openly in the media or schools. As a result, public knowledge and awareness are limited. Additionally, we lack comprehensive data on where HIV hotspots exist and where testing efforts should be focused. While HIV testing is offered in specific settings like pre-marital screenings, prisons, drug rehabilitation centers, and blood donation centers, gaps remain for individuals who do not fall into these categories. Expanding access to testing is crucial to addressing these gaps, ensuring early diagnosis and intervention.

ME: In what ways can youth engagement and education reshape perceptions and reduce stigma around HIV?

MC: Education and behaviour change are fundamental to HIV prevention. Expanding HIV prevention and testing communication in a culturally sensitive way is essential to reach young people before they engage in high-risk behaviours. The message must be delivered in a format that resonates with youth, such as through online platforms, social media, and university campaigns. While abstinence should be encouraged, it’s also vital to educate young people about prevention methods, such as PrEP, and the risks associated with sexually transmitted infections. When youth can discuss HIV openly and factually, it helps break down stigma and taboo. Through education and support, we can empower the younger generation to protect themselves and their communities from HIV.