Introduction
How would you react if you found out that a colleague at school or work is HIV-positive? If you’re being honest with yourself, you might outrightly avoid the person under the guise of not wanting to contract HIV. Despite the advancement in HIV prevention globally, the biggest challenge for People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) is stigmatization. They are often faced with discrimination, isolation, and fear which has impacted their mental health, social relationships, and access to healthcare. Addressing this stigma is pivotal to ensuring that PLWHA lives a normal life.
The Stigma Around HIV/AIDS
Myths, misinformation, and deeply rooted societal fears have been known to cause HIV-related stigma. Even though there are technological discoveries for HIV prevention such as Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), many people still do not want to be associated with PLWHA. The people who often face HIV stigma are commercial sex workers, or people who inject drugs into themselves because they’re oftentimes linked to HIV. The fear of contracting HIV even if it isn’t transmitted through casual contact is a reason why PLWHA faces discrimination. Many people still have a fear of being infected if they are friends with HIV-positive persons. To some others, HIV is a consequence of immoral behaviour, leading to discrimination against those diagnosed with the virus. Many people are unaware of how modern treatment enables PLWHA to have a long, healthy life and prevent transmission to others. So, they see HIV-positive as those with a death sentence and have a short life span. Unfortunately, this stigma doesn’t only isolate PLWHA but also discourages them from getting tested and seeking medical treatment.
How to Support PLWHA
Self-education is the first key to supporting PLWHA. By gaining knowledge on HIV transmission, treatment, and prevention strategies you can challenge misconceptions and spread the right information. Don’t only enlighten yourself, enlighten those in your community and teach them what HIV/AIDS is and what it’s not. Importantly, know that HIV is transmitted only through specific body fluids–semen, vaginal fluids, breast milk, and blood, not through casual contact. Another way to support PLWHA is by using positive and non-stigmatizing words that foster inclusion without making them feel bad about their disease. Encourage routine HIV testing and early treatment for PLWHA while reassuring them that treatment leads to a normal life expectancy and prevents transmission. Finally, advocate for policies that protect and support PLWHA, and ensure they have access to free testing programs, quality healthcare, employment, and education.
Conclusion
HIV-related stigma remains a significant barrier to effective HIV treatment and prevention. We can however create a stigma-free world, through compassion, fostering education, offering emotional support, and advocating for their rights. Together, we can break the cycle of stigma and ensure that every person living with HIV/AIDS feels valued.
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