Stigma and Discrimination
Stigma and discrimination remain the greatest barriers to HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care:
• In a study conducted by UNFPA in China among 2,500 young people, 60% believe that people living with HIV should be isolated to a certain degree from the society;
• Because of HIV related stigma and discrimination, people living with AIDS and their family members are often denied their rights to healthcare, education and employment. Children who have lost their parents to AIDS or those living with sick parents often have to face the additional psychological pain from being isolated, ill treated or bullied.;
• For fear of humiliation, many people living with AIDS do not want to disclose their infection status, and therefore unable to access social services they are entitled to. For the same reason, people who have engaged in high risk behaviours are often too afraid to get tested. This is likely to lead to greater risk of spreading the virus;
• Discrimination, in addition to hurting those living with or affected by AIDS, also harms those who discriminate. With the erroneous belief that only immoral people get the disease, people may let down the guard of self-protection, and increase the chance of getting infected.
What should young people do in front of AIDS-related stigma and discrimination?
• All young people should learn the facts on AIDS;
• Young people should share their knowledge and experience with friends and family;
• They should care for friends and their families affected by AIDS;
• When hearing discriminatory remarks against people living with HIV/AIDS, young people should stand out and defend their rights and dignity.
