The Stigma of HIV / AIDS 5/12/2010
From the moment scientists identified HIV and AIDS, social responses of fear, denial, stigma and discrimination have accompanied the epidemic. Discrimination has spread rapidly, fuelling anxiety and prejudice against those living with HIV or AIDS. Across the world the global epidemic of HIV/AIDS has shown itself capable of triggering responses of compassion, solidarity and support, bringing out the best in people, their families and communities. The disease is also associated with stigma, repression and discrimination, as individuals affected or believed to be affected by HIV have been rejected by their families, their loved ones and their communities.
Stigma can be used to marginalize, exclude and exercise power over individuals who show certain characteristics. While the societal rejection of certain social groups (e.g. homosexuals, drug users, sex workers) may predate HIV/AIDS, the disease has, in many cases, reinforced this stigma. By blaming certain individuals or groups, society can excuse itself from the responsibility of caring for and looking after such populations. This is seen not only in the manner in which certain social groups are often blamed for bringing HIV into a country, but also in how such groups are denied access to the medical services and treatment they need.
Factors which contribute to HIV/AIDS-related stigma:
- HIV/AIDS is a life-threatening disease.
- HIV/AIDS is associated with behaviors (such as homosexuality and drug-use) that are already stigmatized in many societies.
- People living with HIV/AIDS are often thought of as being responsible for becoming infected.
- Religious or moral beliefs lead some people to believe that having HIV/AIDS is the result of moral fault (such as promiscuity or 'deviant sex') that deserves to be punished.
HIV/AIDS stigma and discrimination remains an enormous barrier to effectively fighting the HIV and AIDS epidemic. Fear of discrimination often prevents people from seeking treatment for AIDS or from admitting their HIV status publicly. People with or suspected of having HIV may be turned away from healthcare services, employment, refused entry to foreign country. In some cases, they may be evicted from home by their families and rejected by their friends and colleagues. The stigma attached to HIV/AIDS can extend into the next generation, placing an emotional burden on those left behind.
Denial goes hand in hand with discrimination, with many people continuing to deny that HIV exists in their communities. Today, HIV/AIDS threatens the welfare and well being of people throughout the world. At the end of the year 2005, 40.3 million people were living with HIV or AIDS and during the year 3.1 million died from AIDS-related illness. Combating the stigma and discrimination against people who are affected by HIV/AIDS is as important as developing the medical cures in the process of preventing and controlling the global epidemic.
Get more information -
AVERT is an international HIV and AIDS charity based in the UK, with the aim of AVERTing HIV and AIDS worldwide. Developed over a number of years, the AVERT web site, www.avert.org , has a wide range of information that includes not only basic factual information about HIV/AIDS and its spread around the world but also specific areas for young people and a choice of educational resources including downloadable booklets and quizzes.