Stigma.
Understanding HIV Stigma
HIV stigma is the negative attitudes, behaviours, and judgments directed at people living with or at risk of HIV. It can lead to discrimination in many areas of society, including healthcare, education, and the workplace.
Stigma can also negatively impact the health and well-being of people living with HIV, making it difficult for them to access treatment or learn their HIV status. Some examples of HIV stigma include: hostility, physical or verbal abuse, and being excluded from activities or avoided. This can seriously impact the mental health and wellbeing of those affected and lead to challenges such as depression, anxiety, loneliness and isolation.
Dispelling some common myths
Myth: People with HIV are dangerous and can easily infect others. Fact: Individuals with an undetectable viral load cannot transmit the virus through sexual contact (Undetectable = Untransmittable). With effective treatment, peope living with HIV can live long healthy lives.
Myth: People with HIV cannot have children. Fact: Those living with HIV can now conceive safely with the right medical guidance, ensuring the virus is undetectable during conception.
Myth: HIV can be transmitted through casual contact.
Fact: HIV is NOT spread through common contact such as touch, saliva, tears, sweat, shaking hands, hugging, using public toilets or sharing food, dishes, silverware and other household items.
Myth: HIV is not a concern for people in monogamous relationships. Fact: HIV can impact anyone, even those in a relationship. So it's important people get tested for HIV, so they can receive early treatment and support.
What can we do to help?
Educate yourself and others: Use credible sources to learn about HIV and share this knowledge with others to help combat misinformation.
Challenge stigma: Speak out against discrimination in your community.
Know your HIV status: Getting tested is one simple way to look after your health and help end new cases of HIV. Order a free testing kit for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at SHL.UK
Find out more -> Visit the aidsmap website