Manjengwa, Patience G.Yah, Clarence S.Musakwa, NoziphoMusekiwa, Alfred2026-03-122026-03-122026Patience Manjengwa, Clarence Yah, Nozipho Musakwa & Alfred Musekiwa (24 Feb 2026): Systematic scoping review on HIV services for males in Sub- Saharan Africa: Access, barriers, and research gaps, African Journal of AIDS Research, DOI: 10.2989/16085906.2025.2600049.1608-5906 (print)1727-9445 (online)10.2989/16085906.2025.2600049http://hdl.handle.net/2263/108933BACKGROUND : Access to HIV services among men and boys in Sub-Saharan Africa is a significant public health challenge, exacerbated by cultural norms surrounding masculinity. This scoping review systematically investigates disparities in the provision and utilisation of these services in Sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS : The review followed the Arksey and O'Malley framework, employing a five-step process with any disputes resolved through discussion. A comprehensive search across various databases was conducted for studies published from January 2010 to October 2023. Methodological quality was assessed using PRISMA-ScR and the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool, while NVivo supported thematic content analysis. EndNote and Rayyan software facilitated reference management and study screening. RESULTS : Out of 1 489 studies retrieved, 30 met the inclusion criteria, primarily qualitative (70%) and quantitative (16.7%). Most studies originated from South Africa (n = 10) and Uganda (n = 5). HIV testing services accounted for 36.7% of the studies, followed by treatment services (26.7%) and prevention services (20%). Facilitators of access included community health services and male catch-up plans. Barriers to accessing HIV services included stigma, masculinity norms, and fear of HIV-positive results, with low-risk perception also frequently noted. Male engagement strategies emerged as key to improving service delivery and utilisation. CONCLUSIONS : The findings revealed a moderate body of literature on HIV services for men in Sub-Saharan Africa, with research concentrated in South Africa and Uganda. Stigma, masculinity norms, and fear of HIV-positive results remain significant barriers, while community health services and male catch-up plans facilitate access. Implementing male engagement strategies and addressing these barriers is essential for improving service delivery, informing policy, and prioritising future research in underrepresented regions.en© 2026 The Authors. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).HIV servicesStigmaHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV)Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)Health disparitiesMale engagementArticle