Millions are infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS; roughly 50 million according to Dr. Brundtland, director – General of the World Health Organization. Hundreds of million more are at risk of contracting the virus.
In addition one of the most serious and widespread problem is employment discrimination by both private and governmental employers. The loss of jobs not only deprives HIV positive people of their income, which is important particularly to pay for medical treatment, but often terminates the person’s medical insurance. The rights of employment and an acceptable standard of living are identified by UNAIDS as fundamental human rights. Discrimination against a person with HIV/AIDS is critized as a human violation when that person is either completely healthy or able to perform any required task. They may only moderate health problems and could be easily accommodated by the employer.
The withholding of treatment, hospital staff refusing to treat patients, HIV testing without consent, lack of confidentiality, and denial of hospital facilities and medicines are all ways there for people living with HIV/AIDS can experience stigma and discrimination in healthcare setting. Such responses are often fueled by ignorance of HIV transmission routes amongst doctors and hospital staff.
We can fight stigma. Enlightened laws and policies are the key. It begins with openness, the courage to speak out. Schools should teach respect and understanding. In the future, the task is to confront the fear-based message and bias social attitudes, in order to reduce the discrimination and stigma of people who are living with HIV or AIDS. Stop AIDS! Keep The Promise!!!!
Tyra Forbes
Precious Treasures Primary
HIV (Human Immune Virus) is the virus that cases AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). HIV works by killing or damaging cells of your body’s immune system; overtime it destroys your body’s ability to fight infections and certain cancers. It is a fact that people diagnosed with AIDS may get life threatening diseases called opportunistic infections. Those with HIV/AIDS are also at an increased risk of developing certain cancers and a variety of other conditions. Since the infected persons are faced with a lot these problems it is not right for them to then be discriminated against.
Discrimination is a word that many people may not know its meaning but they do practice it. According to the Oxford Dictionary it means: “to treat someone unfairly because of their race, religion, gender or HIV status”, while all forms of discrimination are bad, that against people with HIV has become the worst and seem to be spreading rapidly throughout the world. If we are going to achieve our goal of stopping HIV infection, we must teach more instead of discriminating.
It is well known that persons affected by discrimination often suffer all kinds of negative effects. This is especially true for people living with HIV/AIDS. Some of the ways it affects them are:
a) It can cause anger and emotional stress
b) It destroys their self –esteem
c) It stops people from revealing their status, even to doctors, nurses and other medical persons offering help.
d) Discrimination also stops people from seeking counseling.
In addition to persons’ negative attitude to persons living with HIV/AIDS, there is the major problem of a number of infected persons not having access to the kind of care that would help them to lead a decent life. Some do not have access to medical care or facilities because nothing is put in place for them.
In order, for me to stop the spread of HIV infection I will do my best to prevent myself form being infected. I will abstain from all sexual activities that would put me at risk. I will keep the promise.
Tijani Fearon
Osetta Jolly Primary
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