Treatment GuideJust DiagnosedSex & DatingAfrican AmericanStigmaAsk the HIV DocPrEP En EspañolNewsVoicesPrint IssueVideoOut 100
CONTACTCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2024 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
Awareness campaigns on the part of government and civil groups have failed to mitigate HIV-related stigma and discrimination in South Africa, preventing many from seeking testing and treatment.
A recently published study by the University of Cape Town's Center for Social Science Research found that among 1,074 young people interviewed in 2003 and 2006, HIV/AIDS stigma actually increased despite public sector campaigns and enhanced treatment and care services. The findings indicate the need for renewed efforts to reduce stigma and minimize some of the negative associations linked to the disease, said CSSR researcher Brendan Maughan-Brown.
At the Louwville-based West Coast Community HIV/AIDS Initiative, which serves communities throughout the Saldhana Bay municipality, staff say stigma and discrimination prevent those infected from learning or disclosing their status. Many patients will not even open up to WCCHAI's home-based caregivers, making it difficult for them to provide appropriate treatment.
The fear of discrimination and isolation is stronger than the reasoning that knowing one's status can protect and prolong life, said Merle van Oordt, WCCHAI's project manager. Most of the program's patients find out they are HIV-positive after multiple bouts with TB, she said. By that time, their immune systems are too weak to start antiretrovirals. "We have to treat the opportunistic infection first and can only start ARVs later. But for many that's too late," van Oordt said.
Denial is also a major hurdle. "We still get people who don't know what HIV is and who believe it doesn't affect them," said van Oordt. "It's a very bleak picture."
Want more breaking equality news & trending entertainment stories?
Check out our NEW 24/7 streaming service: the Advocate Channel!
Download the Advocate Channel App for your mobile phone and your favorite streaming device!
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
Before AIDS, gay artist Rex drew hot men on the prowl — then he disappeared
April 11 2024 3:15 PM
Diets that mimic fasting reverse aging: study
March 07 2024 5:28 PM
PrEP without a prescription now a reality in California
February 06 2024 8:37 PM
Injectable HIV treatment, prevention: Everything you need to know
March 26 2024 3:28 PM
8 dating tips for gay men from a gay therapist
March 21 2024 2:50 PM
Happy national foreskin day!
April 04 2024 1:45 PM
The science behind U=U has been liberating people with HIV for years
June 04 2024 3:31 PM
Scarlet fever: exploring our fascination with blood
March 13 2024 1:47 PM
On Anal Sex Day, crack up with The Bottom's Digest
April 18 2024 10:22 AM
Plus: Featured Video
Latest Stories
Activist and philanthropist Bruce Bastian dies at 76
June 26 2024 1:28 PM
Yes, HIV-positive people can safely breastfeed
June 26 2024 12:59 PM
Exclusive: We kiki with Q from 'RuPaul's Drag Race'
June 24 2024 11:37 AM
Court rules to keep PrEP coverage under Obamacare
June 21 2024 5:42 PM
In honor of Juneteenth 2024, meet The Normal Anomaly
June 19 2024 1:39 PM
What is Juneteenth?
June 19 2024 11:30 AM
As Pride party season begins, the CDC urges mpox vaccinations
May 16 2024 6:52 PM
Advocacy in action with AIDSWatch
May 09 2024 12:30 PM
The Talk: Thriving with HIV
May 08 2024 10:45 AM
The Talk: What HIV isn’t
May 07 2024 10:48 AM
The Talk: Finding balance with HIV
May 06 2024 10:51 AM
Justice Dept plans to reschedule marijuana as a lower-risk drug
May 03 2024 2:40 PM
The Talk: Starting your journey with HIV
May 03 2024 2:00 PM
Why is a mother’s mental health so important? A doctor explains
May 01 2024 1:38 PM
Walmart to close all of its health care clinics
April 30 2024 12:30 PM
Vampire facial spa infected several women with HIV
April 29 2024 7:26 PM