Abstract

Background: HIV and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) remain global public health challenges, with millions of people still undiagnosed or untreated. Nurses play a critical role in combating stigma and leading advocacy interventions in diverse cultural contexts. In Israel and the Philippines, nurses are addressing infectious disease care using multi-level strategies informed by local epidemiology and global health goals.

Purpose: This project aimed to identify, implement, and evaluate nurse-led advocacy strategies to reduce stigma and improve education, community engagement, and policy development around HIV and HCV in both Israel and the Philippines.

Methods: A socioecological model guided the development of multi-level interventions, including health education, training programs, school-based peer initiatives, NGO partnerships, and collaboration with regulatory bodies. Data on national HIV and HCV incidence were reviewed, and interventions were tailored accordingly. Evaluation was conducted through training participation metrics, surveys, and outcome-based research.

Results: In Israel, over 15,000 patients were successfully treated for HCV, with active efforts ongoing in northern districts. In the Philippines, new HIV infections remain high despite low national prevalence. Nurse-led activities on World AIDS and Hepatitis Days, along with community outreach and social media campaigns, helped promote awareness. Education-based advocacy in schools and policy collaboration reinforced impact. Initial evaluations show increased knowledge, reduced stigma, and stakeholder engagement.

Conclusion: Nurse-led advocacy using a socioecological framework is effective in addressing infectious disease stigma and access disparities. Sustained advocacy, supported by evidence and policy, is essential for long-term success.

Notes

References

1. World Health Organization. (2022). Global health sector strategies on HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections, 2022–2030. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240053779

2. UNAIDS. (2023). Global AIDS update 2023: The path that ends AIDS. https://www.unaids.org/en/resources/documents/2023/2023-global-aids-update

3. Israel Ministry of Health. (2021). National program for the elimination of hepatitis C in Israel. [Hebrew]

4. Espinosa, L., & Reyes, M. (2020). Community nurses in HIV and hepatitis care in rural Philippines: A socioecological lens. Journal of Global Nursing, 16(3), 145–152.

5. Sigma Theta Tau International. (2024). Global advocacy toolkit for nurses. https://www.sigmanursing.org/advocacy

Author Details

Wedad M. Ashkar, MSN FNP, RN Family Nurse Practitioner | Nurse Coordinator, Hepatitis C Elimination Project Northern District, Israel

James Montegrico, PhD, RN, CMSRN - Assistant Professor School of Nursing | University of North Carolina at Charlotte North Carolina, U.S.A.

Sigma Membership

Omega Lambda

Type

Presentation

Format Type

Text-based Document

Study Design/Type

Literature Review

Research Approach

Other

Keywords:

Stigma Reduction, Nursing Advocacy, Hepatitis C, HIV

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All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record.

Review Type

None: Event Material, Invited Presentation

Acquisition

Proxy-submission

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