Understanding and Responding to HIV/AIDS-related Stigma and Discrimination in the Health Sector
SummaryText
From the Summary
"HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination are as old as the epidemic itself. In every country and in every social setting since the disease was first identified, individuals who are or who are assumed to be HIV-positive have been subject to a variety of negative reactions, including physical and verbal abuse, loss of homes and employment, rejection by families, spouses and friends, and violations of basic human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Even in the health services, where people at risk of infection or living with HIV/AIDS seek and expect care and attention, stigma and discrimination have been common. Discriminatory acts vary from inappropriate comments to breaches of patient confidentiality, from treatment delayed to treatment and basic care and hygiene refused.
Some of these acts are not only a violation of basic human rights but they can also have a considerable negative impact on the health of both the individual and the broader community. Those who are discriminated against may suffer physically and psychologically, while those who fear discrimination may be reluctant to seek testing or treatment. Those living with HIV and those at risk of infection are less likely to protect themselves and their partners from infection.
This review aims to contribute to deeper understanding of HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination in the health services. It does so firstly through an analysis of the components of the phenomenon, how they relate and where gaps in knowledge exist; secondly by comparing studies of stigma and discrimination and projects designed to reduce their incidence and impact; and thirdly by outlining strategies for a comprehensive response. The perspective is global, but this publication makes extensive references to Latin America and the Caribbean."
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) released this publication to coincide with World AIDS Day on December 1, 2003. Additionally, PAHO published related posters and a Powerpoint slideshow.
Click here to download this publication in full or by chapter in PDF format. This publication is available in English and Spanish.
Included on this website for download are related posters, public service announcements and Powerpoint slide presentations.
"HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination are as old as the epidemic itself. In every country and in every social setting since the disease was first identified, individuals who are or who are assumed to be HIV-positive have been subject to a variety of negative reactions, including physical and verbal abuse, loss of homes and employment, rejection by families, spouses and friends, and violations of basic human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Even in the health services, where people at risk of infection or living with HIV/AIDS seek and expect care and attention, stigma and discrimination have been common. Discriminatory acts vary from inappropriate comments to breaches of patient confidentiality, from treatment delayed to treatment and basic care and hygiene refused.
Some of these acts are not only a violation of basic human rights but they can also have a considerable negative impact on the health of both the individual and the broader community. Those who are discriminated against may suffer physically and psychologically, while those who fear discrimination may be reluctant to seek testing or treatment. Those living with HIV and those at risk of infection are less likely to protect themselves and their partners from infection.
This review aims to contribute to deeper understanding of HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination in the health services. It does so firstly through an analysis of the components of the phenomenon, how they relate and where gaps in knowledge exist; secondly by comparing studies of stigma and discrimination and projects designed to reduce their incidence and impact; and thirdly by outlining strategies for a comprehensive response. The perspective is global, but this publication makes extensive references to Latin America and the Caribbean."
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) released this publication to coincide with World AIDS Day on December 1, 2003. Additionally, PAHO published related posters and a Powerpoint slideshow.
Click here to download this publication in full or by chapter in PDF format. This publication is available in English and Spanish.
Included on this website for download are related posters, public service announcements and Powerpoint slide presentations.
Number of Pages
57
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