Ending HIV/AIDS Stigma

HIV is only a disease. Yes, it alters the life of the infected but it should never be allowed to take over one’s life. Yes. There is life after HIV.

If you are infected, you must draw inner strength and get rid of fears and negative attitudes so that others in the same situation can draw hope from you.

People have fears and negative attitudes out of ignorance. But you can educate them with your openness which will serve to increase strength and knowledge. HIV is an infection which many people have fears, prejudices or negative attitudes about.

Out of fear, some people stigmatize people living with HIV/AIDS which can result in insults, rejection, being the subject of gossips and being excluded from social activities. But you must understand the truth that the infection is different from the person.

Self-stigma, or internalised stigma has an equally damaging effect. This fear of discrimination breaks down confidence to seek help and medical care. Self-stigma and fear of negative reactions can hinder efforts to address the HIV epidemic by continuing the wall of silence and shame surrounding the virus.

Here are some ways you can fight stigma - regardless of your HIV Status

  • Educate yourself and educate others about HIV. Teach them to appreciate the person and be wary of the virus, but love the person.
  • Learn about the myths - and the realities - of HIV, then use the information to break the myths. (For example, you cannot get HIV from hugging, kissing, or shaking hands with someone who is HIV-positive, nor can you get it from a mosquito bite).
  • Let them know that sex and promiscuity’ are not the only ways people get HIV. Explain that there are also other ways apart from those.
  • Confront  those who discriminate and help them understand why their actions are hurtful and dangerous. Judging and condemning people living with HIV only helps to hide the virus and that way, many more people will continue to get infected.
  • Think about HIV as effectively no different from other diseases people have
  • Share your HIV status - and let people know that anyone can get HIV - the old and young, fat and thin, and those who have 1 or 10 sexual partners.
  • Share your strength and encourage others to get tested and stand against stigmatisation.