Human Immunodeficiency Virus or HIV, the epidemic that has claimed the lives of over 33 Million people worldwide was first declared epidemic in 1981 by WHO, yet forty years later this virus continues to prey. The disease, it has been believed, originated in Kinshasa, (the capital city of the Democratic Republic of Congo) about a century ago but awareness of its existence was unknown until 1980. It jumped from chimpanzees to humans and had a significant impact on Sub-Saharan Africa. Due to the lack of a cure or vaccine, HIV remains a major health concern worldwide.
However, today there are alternative treatments that can alleviate the symptoms and help people lead lives with a level of normalcy by becoming a manageable chronic health condition.
Every December 1, we celebrate World AIDS Day to raise awareness about AIDS and show support for people living with the disease. This year, the United Nations AIDS organization, UNAIDS, chose the theme ‘Let Communities Lead.’ They want to highlight the importance of letting local communities take the lead in the fight against AIDS. On a special webpage, UNAIDS explains why they picked this theme for the year.
UNAIDS just released its yearly report for World AIDS Day. They emphasized that we can still achieve the goal of ending AIDS by 2030. The key is to empower communities and support the necessary services on the ground.
The stigma associated with HIV makes people more vulnerable to the disease. Many of those who are affected avoid getting treatment because of the fear of discrimination. And many who are at risk of getting it based on their socioeconomic status, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, health, age, occupation, etc. face discrimination.
Stigma can have severe consequences for someone who tests positive for HIV. This person may face the risk of losing their job, income, livelihood, marriage, hope, reputation, and more.
Discrimination is also directed towards homosexuals (men especially), drug users, and sex workers. This leads to their marginalization and lack of access to adequate HIV prevention programs. Research indicates that prisoners are five times more likely, transgender individuals are 37 times more likely, and drug injectors are 24 times more likely to be vulnerable to HIV.
Stigma affects the HIV response.
People at risk are unwilling to take tests leading to a late diagnosis that may prove to be fatal. Internalized stigma and the fear of a negative community response affects a person who tested positive for HIV in leading a normal life despite the availability of treatments that can help one do so. It leads to a feeling of inadequacy and worthlessness when one is shamed by society and disrupts the mental peace of the individual.
A lot of people who acquired the virus have been told that they got what they deserved for engaging in homosexuality/ promiscuity/ drug usage. In some nations, the government health policies and legislations are quite discriminatory towards those affected.
Numerous patients have reported privacy breaches and the unauthorized disclosure of their HIV status without their consent. In some hospitals, unnecessary personal protective equipment and condescending responses and questions put forth by healthcare personnel discourage people from coming forward.
What can be done about the stigma towards HIV?
It can be tackled by following four steps according to the Avert Organisation that works for the cause of HIV: a) protect, b) include, c) empower and d) educate.
Safeguarding those affected from stigma involves implementing anti-discrimination laws. This includes making the elimination of stigma a national objective and ensuring the inclusion of vulnerable populations in healthcare initiatives. Empowering individuals by raising awareness of their rights encourages them to take action in cases of violations. Lastly, educating people about necessary precautions and dispelling misinformation surrounding the virus is crucial in the fight against HIV.
We can only hope that it would not take another forty years to eliminate this disease. Meanwhile, let us unite in solidarity to break the taboo and encourage human determination in finding solutions.
