However, as indicated in the study, to achieve these results, it is necessary to meet the 10-10-10 targets, which include reducing cases of gender inequality and violence, as well as stigma and discrimination against women and girls living with HIV and key populations. It is also necessary to eliminate restrictive legal and political norms that hinder access to services.
Stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV in the country are decreasing but still persist. How can this situation be changed? With this question, the editorial team turned to activist Rano (name changed), who herself lives with HIV.
“I have been living with HIV for over ten years and have been working in this field for almost as long. During my work, I noticed that stigma and discrimination against people with HIV still exist. Why? The main reason is the lack of reliable information, outdated myths, and fear. Despite significant advances in medicine, and HIV now being considered a manageable chronic disease, stereotypes formed over many years continue to exist in society. People often fear what they do not understand. This is exacerbated by rumors, misconceptions about the ways of HIV transmission, and moral condemnation. All of this creates an atmosphere of fear, rejection, and discrimination,” Rano shared.
Last year, the woman participated in a study by the "Partner Network" association called "Index of Stigmatization of People Living with HIV" and surveyed over a hundred people. “I noticed that they are in two completely different states. Some received correct information, communicated with a peer counselor, accepted their status, and became more confident and positive,” she noted.
However, according to Rano, there were also those who have lived with HIV for over 15 years but still do not see “the light at the end of the tunnel.” “Then I finally understood: proper information is a key point not only for people diagnosed with HIV but for society as a whole. The situation can only be changed through systematic educational work: open dialogues, stories of people living with HIV, correct coverage of the topic in the media, and creating a culture of respect,” she concluded.
“It is important for people to understand: HIV is not transmitted in everyday life. People with HIV can study, work, build families, and be full members of society. This is only possible through knowledge, empathy, and human treatment. Gradually, this way, stigma can be dismantled. Sometimes we are asked to speak openly about ourselves, to show our faces. But we are afraid. Why? Because when one person does this, they find themselves face to face with society. My colleagues and friends have had cases where they revealed their status and faced negative reactions. This is an individual case. To overcome stigma and discrimination, the community must stand united,” Rano shared.
She believes that stigma persists not due to a lack of resources but because “people still receive only dry facts and texts, not live, human information.” “Live communication and open dialogues are extremely important. Support from the state is needed because when the initiative comes from official structures, people take it more seriously. I have dreamed of creating films about the lives of people with HIV. We need more interaction with those living with HIV, more success stories,” the activist noted.
According to her, studies show that changing the situation requires not only facts but also communication with real people, training for healthcare workers, community support, and a well-organized information campaign.
“I want to emphasize: there is a significant difference in the experiences of people who communicate with infectious disease doctors and those who interact with peer counselors. When we talk to people directly, it’s as if they open their ‘third eye.’ I have always wanted to see a person's state before and after a consultation. It is important for people to hear the story of a peer. When they see that I lead a full life, look good, want to help, and have an inner strength that cannot be broken, they gain hope and a spark in their eyes. The support of peer counselors really plays an important role,” Rano noted.
She also added that HIV is increasingly being found among people with migration experience. “They receive a diagnosis abroad and return home with a huge fear of disclosure. Recently, a woman contacted me who had lived with a diagnosis received in Russia for seven years but did not seek help due to the fear of stigma until her condition became critical. This is extremely dangerous; one can lose their life. Her story is a clear example of how stigma and discrimination negatively affect health,” Rano summarized.
“Stigma and discrimination affect the effectiveness of programs, as well as the spread of HIV and the mortality rate from HIV and AIDS. This is related to refusal and delay in HIV testing; interruption of treatment or low adherence to it due to fear of status disclosure; distrust and self-stigmatization. These same factors lead to a refusal of long-term prospects: job searching, socializing, starting a family, and seeking medical and social support,” the authors of the study on stigma towards people living with HIV explained.
HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, specialists from the Republican Center for Strengthening Health remind.
It is important to note that HIV is not transmitted in the following ways:
- through shared dishes;
- when using the same toilet;
- in transport;
- when attending school;
- during sports games;
- when swimming in a pool;
- when shaking hands;
- when hugging;
- when kissing;
- when coughing and sneezing;
- through insect bites.
- blood;
- breast milk;
- semen and vaginal secretions.
HIV can also be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy and childbirth.
Photo on the main page is illustrative: weforum.org.
