HIV RELATED STIGMA AND DISCRIMINATION.pptx

HIV RELATED STIGMA AND DISCRIMINATION.pptx

1. HIV/AIDS related stigma and diScrimination BY MUTEGEKI ADOLF

2. HIV-RELATED STIGMA AND DISCRIMINATION HIV stigma is negative attitudes and beliefs about people with HIV . Stigma can lead to discrimination, treating people with HIV differently than those without HIV. HIV stigma can affect people's health and wellbeing, and discourage people from engaging in HIV testing, prevention, and care. HIV-related discrimination is the unfair treatment or violation of rights of people living with or perceived to have HIV . It occurs in healthcare, workplaces, schools, families, and communities , limiting access to essential services and opportunities

3. Types of HIV-Related Stigma 1 . Social Stigma (Public Stigma) 🔹 Negative attitudes, stereotypes, and rejection of people living with HIV (PLHIV). 🔹 Includes gossip, insults, isolation, and exclusion from social activities . 🔹 Example: A person with HIV is avoided by friends or neighbors after disclosing their status.

4. 2 . Self-Stigma (Internalized Stigma) 🔹 When PLHIV internalize negative beliefs and feel ashamed or unworthy. 🔹 Leads to fear of disclosure, depression, and poor adherence to ART . 🔹 Example: A person avoids seeking treatment because they feel hopeless.

5. 3. Institutional Stigma 🔹 Discriminatory policies or practices by organizations, workplaces, or governments . 🔹 Example: A company refuses to hire or promote an HIV-positive employ 4 . Healthcare Stigma 🔹 Unfair treatment by health workers due to a patient’s HIV status. 🔹 Leads to delayed care, breaches of confidentiality, or refusal of services . 🔹 Example: A nurse refuses to touch or treat an HIV-positive patient .

6. 5. Religious and Cultural Stigma 🔹 Some religious and cultural beliefs portray HIV as a punishment for immorality. 🔹 Leads to judgment and exclusion from religious or cultural groups . 🔹 Example: A person with HIV is denied participation in religious events . 6. Gender-Based Stigma 🔹 Women and girls face higher stigma due to gender norms and assumptions about sexual behavior . 🔹 Example: A woman is blamed for bringing HIV into a marriage and abandoned by her husband.

7. 7. Intersectional Stigma 🔹 Stigma worsens when HIV intersects with other marginalized identities , such as: LGBTQ+ individuals Sex workers Drug users Prisoners 🔹 Example: A gay man with HIV faces both homophobia and HIV-related discrimination . 8. Stigma by Association (Secondary Stigma) 🔹 Family members, caregivers, and friends of PLHIV also experience stigma . 🔹 Example: A child is bullied at school because their parent has HIV.

8. Prevention of HIV-related stigma and discrimination Preventing HIV-related stigma and discrimination is crucial for improving the well-being of people living with HIV (PLHIV) and ensuring that they receive the care, support, and dignity they deserve. 1 . Education and Awareness Raising awareness about HIV transmission, prevention, and treatment can reduce misunderstandings that often lead to stigma . Educating communities, families, and healthcare workers helps debunk myths and promotes acceptance . For example, teaching that HIV is not transmitted through casual contact (e.g., hugging or sharing utensils) can help eliminate fears and misconceptions.

9. 2. Training Healthcare Workers Health workers play a key role in preventing stigma . Sensitivity training should be incorporated into their education, focusing on non-judgmental care and confidentiality . This ensures that PLHIV receive compassionate and respectful treatment at healthcare facilities . 3. Support Groups and Peer Networks Creating peer support groups allows people living with HIV to share their experiences, access emotional support, and empower each other. When PLHIV share their stories in a supportive environment, it can reduce isolation and feelings of shame, while also helping to normalize living with HIV.

10. 4. Engaging Community Leaders Community leaders, including religious leaders, can influence societal attitudes. Engaging them in HIV education and advocacy efforts ensures that communities receive positive messages that encourage acceptance, instead of perpetuating stigma. 5 . Promoting Legal Protections Enforcing laws that protect people living with HIV from discrimination in the workplace, healthcare, and social settings is essential. Strong legal protections ensure that PLHIV are not unfairly treated or marginalized and encourage public accountability for discriminatory behavior.

11. 6. Promoting Positive Media Campaigns Using media platforms to share stories of PLHIV who are leading healthy, productive lives can help change societal perceptions. Positive depictions in movies, news, and social media can challenge harmful stereotypes and show that HIV is not a death sentence, but a manageable condition . 7. Confidential and Anonymous Testing Offering confidential HIV testing services can encourage people to get tested without fear of being judged. Ensuring that their status remains private reduces the risk of stigma at the individual level, encouraging more people to access services . 8. Encouraging Treatment Adherence When PLHIV stay on treatment and maintain undetectable viral loads , they are not infectious. Promoting U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable ) messaging helps people understand that adherence to treatment can significantly reduce the transmission of HIV, helping to break down misconceptions and stigma.