THE EFFECTS OF HIV – RELATED DISCRIMINATION ON PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV AND AIDS – A REVIEW
1Nworuh, B.O; Nwoke E.A; Morakinyo, O.M and Nwufo, C.R
1Department of Public Health Technology
Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
E-mail:pray4woman@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
This paper highlights the effects of HIV- related discrimination on people living with HIV (PLWHA) and provides recommendations on how to minimize its occurrence. Discrimination as defined by the Joint United Nations Action Committee on HIV and AIDS protocol for identification of discrimination against people living with HIV, refers to any form of arbitrary distinction, exclusion or restriction affecting people because of their confirmed or suspected HIV – position Status. Discrimination can occur at the level of the individual HIV persons, their relations and even the community. At the level of the individual, it causes undue anxiety and distress; these factors in themselves contribute to ill health. It causes the person to feel ashamed, conceal his HIV-Status and withdraws from participating in more positive social responses. The effects of discrimination on PLWHA are debilitating, including: loss of income, limiting access to treatment, creating social difference, imposing stigma and increasing poverty. This paper recommends: enforcement of legal actions against violation of human rights, massive community campaign against discrimination, HIV positive persons testifying of their status within their locality and decentralization of care centers.
Keywords: HIV/AIDS, discrimination.