Strategy for reducing stigma and discrimination of HIV patients

Muchlis A Udji Sofro, Agus Budiyono

Abstract


Stigma and discrimination against individuals living with HIV/AIDS pose significant barriers to prevention, treatment, and overall well-being. This paper presents a comprehensive strategy aimed at reducing the stigma and discrimination faced by HIV patients. Drawing on existing research and evidence-based practices, the proposed strategy encompasses multiple domains: education, policy, healthcare, community engagement, and societal change. The strategy emphasizes the importance of education in dispelling misconceptions and promoting empathy. Public health campaigns should address HIV-related stigma, highlighting the need for compassion and support. Legislative measures are crucial to protect the rights of HIV patients and ensure equal access to healthcare, employment, housing, and education. Healthcare providers play a pivotal role in reducing stigma and discrimination. Training programs should be implemented to foster non-judgmental care and provide culturally sensitive services. Community-based organizations and support groups can offer safe spaces for individuals living with HIV to share experiences and access resources. Furthermore, addressing stigma requires challenging societal biases and inequalities. Advocacy efforts should focus on promoting inclusivity, empowering affected individuals, and fostering a compassionate and understanding society. By implementing this comprehensive strategy, we can work towards a future where HIV patients are free from stigma and discrimination, enabling them to live fulfilling lives and contributing to the collective efforts of ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Keywords


Stigma; discrimination; HIV treatment

References


Brown, L., Macintyre, K., & Trujillo, L. (2003). Interventions to reduce HIV/AIDS stigma: What have we learned? AIDS Education and Prevention, 15(1), 49-69.

Earnshaw, V. A., Smith, L. R., Chaudoir, S. R., Amico, K. R., & Copenhaver, M. M. (2013). HIV stigma mechanisms and well-being among PLWH: A test of the HIV stigma framework. AIDS and Behavior, 17(5), 1785-1795.

Herek, G. M., & Glunt, E. K. (1988). An epidemic of stigma: Public reactions to AIDS. American Psychologist, 43(11), 886-891.

Herek, G. M., Capitanio, J. P., & Widaman, K. F. (2003). Stigma, social risk, and health policy: Public attitudes toward HIV surveillance policies and the social construction of illness. Health Psychology, 22(5), 533-540.

Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). (2017). Ending AIDS: Progress towards the 90-90-90 targets. Retrieved from https://www.unaids.org/sites/default/files/media_asset/Global_AIDS_update_2017_en.pdf

Link, B. G., & Phelan, J. C. (2006). Stigma and its public health implications. The Lancet, 367(9509), 528-529.

Mahajan, A. P., Sayles, J. N., Patel, V. A., Remien, R. H., Sawires, S. R., Ortiz, D. J., & Coates, T. J. (2008). Stigma in the HIV/AIDS epidemic: A review of the literature and recommendations for the way forward. AIDS, 22(Supplement 2), S67-S79.

Nyblade, L., Stangl, A., Weiss, E., & Ashburn, K. (2009). Combating HIV stigma in health care settings: What works? Journal of the International AIDS Society, 12(1), 15.

Parker, R., & Aggleton, P. (2003). HIV and AIDS-related stigma and discrimination: A conceptual framework and implications for action. Social Science & Medicine, 57(1), 13-24.


Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.


Bookmark and Share


Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.