Stigma--the biggest hurdle in fighting HIV/AIDS

Nearly all victims experience some form of stigma and discrimination. In a bid to change the attitude and mind set towards HIV/AIDS victims, a day-long district media consultation on “Stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS and vulnerable communities” was organized by the Centre for Advocacy and Research on Tuesday.

The focus of discussion was to reduce or eliminate the stigma faced by HIV/AIDS victims and the role of the media in neutralizing the trend.

Stigma and discrimination attached to HIV/AIDS
Most people react with fear and prejudice, and refuse any contact with an HIV-positive person.

The victims face abuse and maltreatment, are shunned by family and peers, and endure psychological damage. All this can negatively affect the success of testing and treatment of the disease.

The reasons vary from exaggerated fears of HIV infection, misperceptions about transmission, and sometimes due to negative representations in the media.

Despite public campaigns encouraging compassion towards those afflicted with the disease, most face problems getting a job, get unfair treatment in the workplace, and experience discrimination in the healthcare setting.

In addition, there are instances of negative vibes even in the family environment.

Chairperson of National Commission for Protection for Child rights Dr Shanta Sinha stated, “It's unfortunate that an uniform pattern has emerged automatically, wherein discrimination begins within the family itself.

"Children living with HIV/AIDS live under the burden of secrecy, whether to tell the truth or not. Here, it is often observed that only 10 per cent issue is disease-based and the remaining 90 per cent is social stigma.”

Facts shared by the participants
Alex Parimalam of the Tamilnadu State AIDS Control Society said the victims preferred visiting quacks rather than visit community centers. In a bid to stem this problem the campaign ‘Dilluthurai’ has been launched.

Ravi K Verma of the International Centre for Research on Women stated that the stigma attached to the disease was a hurdle in treatment process. Many people are afraid to see a doctor to determine whether they have the disease, or to seek treatment if infected.

Anjali Gopalan from Naz foundation and Dr Ritu Parchure from Prayas disclosed stories where children were prohibited to join schools where HIV positive children also studied.

Some measures to fight the stigma attached to HIV/AIDS
According to the participants, the victims not only need sympathy but moral support and dignity as well because the stigma attached to the disease was worse than HIV/AIDS itself.

Stigma is the main reason that AIDS has become a silent killer because people are scared of social disgrace and do not have the courage to speak out.

Media can provide opportunities for people living with HIV/AIDS to share their life experiences with a broader audience.

Dr Sinha stated, “Those who are affected must be empowered to assert themselves and combat the stigma incidences, rather than suffer in silence with thought of being outcast from the community.”