Discrimination

Stigma and discrimination arise from the fears and misunderstandings that still surround HIV/AIDS – and must not be tolerated. As well as learning the facts about the disease, it is important that we fight discrimination against people who have or are associated with HIV/AIDS.

Stigma comes from the misunderstandings about what HIV and AIDS are and how the virus is transmitted. Stigma also arises from the prejudices that many people have about HIV/AIDS - that it's related to sex and drugs and is associated with taboo activities like pre-marital or male-to-male sex, sex work and injecting drug use.

Discrimination is the unfair and unjust treatment of people associated with HIV/AIDS - HIV positive people, their relatives and friends. Even people who have no real relation to the disease are often discriminated against because they are part of a group that is generally believed to be associated with HIV/AIDS.

The stigma attached to HIV/AIDS can prevent people from behaving responsibly; if you think people may suspect that you're HIV positive then you may be apprehensive to buy condoms or discuss safer sex with a partner in case their suspicions are confirmed. But the effects can be even more far-reaching.

Stigma and discrimination are never acceptable. They silence individuals and communities, preventing people from getting tested or disclosing their HIV status. They stop vital information from being made widely available. Discrimination stops people talking openly about sex or HIV/AIDS, and that means that they aren't learning how to protect themselves.

People with HIV/AIDS pose no threat to the general public but discrimination is ruining people's lives.

Freedom from discrimination is a fundamental human right. It is completely unacceptable to hurt someone because they're HIV positive, or to deny them a job, home or the care they need. HIV and AIDS can devastate the lives of individuals and whole communities - physically, emotionally and financially. Removing the stigma can help to combat such problems.

How do you confront discrimination? Talk openly. Talk openly about sex, drugs, HIV/AIDS and about how everybody can protect themselves. Reassure others that people living with HIV/AIDS do not present any danger. Pass on the facts.

Your comments


Anthony R Diaz(United States) , August 01st, 2008 - 03.06
Bumm Luck
Talk about bumm luck I now have been living with HIV for the last year and a hlf and Let me tell you its been no Walk in the Park with getting comfortable with my new found status. I'm now confortable to say that I am HIV pos to certain people but the fear of rejection and Discrimination is always in the back of mind. Today I am 150 Replications which is great and my T cell count is over 400 I'm health and look to the day that I will be cured of this Virus this BUM LUCK..... IF I could do things over I don't think I would have ever stayed in the relationship that caused me to be HIV pos. ""BE safe Be Kind and always love one another.......""
Indigo(Rwanda) , May 18th, 2008 - 12.37
the sad truth
The really sad part is that now all forms of AIDS therapy are focused on improving the quality and length of life for AIDS patients by slowing or halting the replication of the virus and treating or preventing infections and cancers that take advantage of a person's weakened immune system. And most HIV/AIDS patients resort to alcohol abuse or drugs to forget about their problems, so they're stuck in a loop.
HIV+ Chick(New Zealand) , April 11th, 2008 - 19.38
Too True
Whilst stigma and discrimination is there, regardless of education and knowledge. When people are afraid of something, they will show it. I was infected at age 22. It happens all the time to me. But the worst part of all, can be, the self-stigmatisation, I can make it all up in my head before it even happens. PS some of us don't like being called victims, survivors is better, or Postive person even better. Cheers
Anonymous(Indonesia) , March 28th, 2008 - 03.21
might be
we all come to the world to share anything possible.. then, that anything should be something danger like HIV aids.. but hey.. we all share anything like love, aren't we? don't you think that was a miserable coincidence?
love , January 20th, 2008 - 17.52
ONE
hello. we are all human. whether we have AIDS or not. it is not fair to discriminate AIDS victims, as they might have got it through the mistakes of others. cheers :)
Anonymous(Philippines) , December 17th, 2007 - 15.31
d0n't add fuel
2 0l the pe0ple 0f this w0rld...there's n0 reas0n f0r us t0 discriminate AIDS victims..wat right do y0u have t0 seclude y0urself t0 them..They may have AIDS but do they transform into monsters?!!!..N0!!!!!..s0 instead 0f 0l ur F**kin discriminatoins, let's just pray t0 them and help them in being d pers0ns they want 2 b even just f0r a m0ment n their lives..just imagine urself being n that situation..Gd bless u 0l!!
eligius(Indonesia) , December 03rd, 2007 - 06.24
share the love
hi everybody around the world, i believe that someday we can find the cure or medicine for hiv/aids. i think that we most share our love to them who infected hiv/aids and dont forget to pray for them.

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