Tracing the Shift from Public Health Awareness to Policy and Practice: A Bibliometric Review of HIV/AIDS Research in Zimbabwe (1990–2024)
1
College of Public Health, Taxila American University, Georgetown, South Georgia and the South Sandwich
2
Department of Applied Information Systems, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT:
This study investigates the evolution of HIV/AIDS research in Zimbabwe from 1990 to 2024, using bibliometric analysis of 1977 PubMed-indexed publications. It highlights a transition from awareness-focused studies to action-oriented research, reflecting broader global trends in implementation science. Early research (1990–2000) emphasized surveillance and public education, laying foundational knowledge amid limited infrastructure. Between 2001–2010, action-oriented studies surged, coinciding with international funding and the rollout of antiretroviral therapy. From 2011 onward, research increasingly focused on treatment, policy, and systemic interventions. This thematic shift mirrors global patterns, where HIV/AIDS research has moved from stigma reduction to evidence-based strategies like pre-exposure prophylaxis and health systems strengthening. In Zimbabwe, studies show that early education efforts reduced stigma and improved awareness, enabling later implementation-focused interventions. However, the recent decline in awareness-related research may signal a gap in community engagement—critical for prevention and adherence. The study calls for sustained collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to balance awareness and action.
This study investigates the evolution of HIV/AIDS research in Zimbabwe from 1990 to 2024, using bibliometric analysis of 1977 PubMed-indexed publications. It highlights a transition from awareness-focused studies to action-oriented research, reflecting broader global trends in implementation science. Early research (1990–2000) emphasized surveillance and public education, laying foundational knowledge amid limited infrastructure. Between 2001–2010, action-oriented studies surged, coinciding with international funding and the rollout of antiretroviral therapy. From 2011 onward, research increasingly focused on treatment, policy, and systemic interventions. This thematic shift mirrors global patterns, where HIV/AIDS research has moved from stigma reduction to evidence-based strategies like pre-exposure prophylaxis and health systems strengthening. In Zimbabwe, studies show that early education efforts reduced stigma and improved awareness, enabling later implementation-focused interventions. However, the recent decline in awareness-related research may signal a gap in community engagement—critical for prevention and adherence. The study calls for sustained collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to balance awareness and action.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
We process personal data collected when visiting the website. The function of obtaining information about users and their behavior is carried out by voluntarily entered information in forms and saving cookies in end devices. Data, including cookies, are used to provide services, improve the user experience and to analyze the traffic in accordance with the Privacy policy. Data are also collected and processed by Google Analytics tool (more).
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
