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Stigma and Discrimination against

PLHIV

HAIVNHarvard Medical School AIDS

Initiative in Vietnam

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By the end of this session, participants will be able to:Identify the manifestations of stigma and discriminationList 4 main causes of stigma and discriminationExplain the consequences of stigma and discrimination in the care of PLHIVDescribe the methods to reduce stigma and discrimination

Learning Objectives

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Stigma and Discrimination

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Stigma is assigned a person or a group of people to a different thing from the most people

Discrimination is often described as the unfair treatment to a person or a group of people

Definition

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Self-stigmatized:• People who have seen the other

stigmatized then fear and separate from other people

Stigmatized: • People who have been stigmatized in

the past

Two Forms of Stigma

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Alienated: being avoid contact Rejected: • when seeking medical, at work and in

the family Isolated: • Stay in a separate area in the family,

hospital ...

The Manifestations of Stigma and Discrimination

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Lack of information, lack of understanding of the HIV transmission

Lack of experience Fear of disease, fear of stigma Cohesion of HIV/AIDS with the

“social evils” People sometimes unaware about

their stigma behavior

Causes of Stigma and Discrimination

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Customers do not come to counseling and testing service:• Do not use services• Do not know the infection status and

maybe spread to others

Consequences of Stigma and Discrimination(1)

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Customers do not have access to care and treatment:• Do not take advantage of services• Too sick to be treated or the fee is more

expensive• Some diseases can be spread to the

community if not treated

Consequences of Stigma and Discrimination(1(2)

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Reduce Stigma and Discrimination

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Ensure the privacy of clinic Ensure that all client records are

confidential Avoid using banners, posters…

around the area for HIV patients

Reduce Stigma and Discrimination in Health Services(1)

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Avoid isolating HIV patients with other patients

Avoid using gloves in case there is no risk of exposure

Warmly welcome patients:• Smile, use kind words and express

sincere• Avoid non-verbal communication to

show contempt, disgust or disrespect

Reduce Stigma and Discrimination in Health Services (2)

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Organize training for the medical staffs about:• "Standard Precautions" and• Exposure prevention skills

Develop policies to protect people living with HIV from persecution or discrimination

Reduce Stigma and Discrimination in Health Services (3)

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Promote the role of HIV-infected people

Consult for HIV-infected people and their families in order to reduce stigma and self-stigmatized

Strengthen communication, enhance understanding in the community about HIV/AIDS

Campaign for HIV/AIDS prevention

Reduce Stigma and Discrimination in the Community

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Stigma and discrimination can be seen everywhere: in the family or in public

Common cause leading to stigma is the lack of understanding

Stigma and discrimination affect patients' access to treatment and counseling services

All measures should be applied to reduce stigma and discrimination in health care facilities and community

Key Points

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Thank you!

Questions?