Overcoming the stigma of being an HIV/AIDS patient
Dr Glory Alexander, director of Asha Foundation, sheds light on the extreme stigma and discrimination faced by HIV/AIDS patients in our society.
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Being HIV +
One of the biggest problems that HIV/AIDS patient face is stigma and discrimination. This can exist in the family, schools, community and even in the medical setting. Dr Glory Alexander discusses some steps that can reduce this stigma:
- It helps to educate the family of the patient that AIDS can only spread through very intimate contact (sexual contact, blood transfusion, shared needles and from an infected mother to her child). It does not spread by living in the same house, sharing crockery, hugging, coughing or sneezing.
- PLHA (People Living with HIV AIDS) networks are extremely helpful and patients are encouraged to join these networks.
- Anti-retroviral therapy (ART) enables the patient to live without obvious symptoms and helps reduce the stigma.
- As friends and family of an HIV/AIDS patient, you can be a source of tremendous support. Constantly express and show your support and reach out to others to educate them on reducing the stigma of living with AIDS.
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