We know that by continuing to encourage frequent testing and safe sex practices, we can end HIV. However, stigma can be detrimental to those efforts. Fear of negative social consequences of a positive HIV test can discourage people from getting tested and knowing their status.
For people living with HIV who experience stigma because of their status, they are more likely to miss HIV check-ups and lapse in adherence to their meds. That can lead to an increase in their viral load and subsequently increase the risk of onward transmission.