Treatment GuideJust DiagnosedSex & DatingAfrican AmericanStigmaAsk the HIV DocPrEP En EspañolNewsVoicesPrint IssueVideoOut 100
CONTACTCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2023 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
Plus: Featured Video
Latest Stories
The Pride Store: Discover More LGBTQ+ & Ally Brands Tailor Made for Celebrating Your Identity
November 30 2023 3:04 PM
Shop Your Pride: Dive into LGBTQ+ & Ally Brands with The Grand Opening of The Pride Store
November 28 2023 5:32 PM
These Black Queer Podcasts (Featuring Literally Zero Cis White Gay Men) Deserve Your Ears
November 28 2023 11:55 AM
7 Uplifting Films To Celebrate Trans Awareness Week & Where To Stream Them
November 17 2023 10:25 AM
Out's Deal Guide: Grab Your 50% Off Amazon Fire Tablets & More Recommended Deals on Amazon Today!
November 03 2023 3:44 PM
Unlock Massive Savings at 'The Holiday Shop': Amazon's Hottest Deals of the Season Await!
November 02 2023 2:17 PM
Dianne Feinstein’s Commitment to People Living With HIV Won’t Be Forgotten
November 02 2023 1:27 PM
Trending stories
Most Recent
Recommended Stories for You
HIV Plus Editors
Editor
Ryan is the Digital Director of The Advocate Channel, and a graduate of NYU Tisch's Department of Dramatic Writing. She is also a member of GALECA, the LGBTQ+ society of entertainment critics. While her specialties are television writing and comedy, Ryan is a young member of the LGBTQ+ community passionate about politics and advocating for all.
Ryan is the Digital Director of The Advocate Channel, and a graduate of NYU Tisch's Department of Dramatic Writing. She is also a member of GALECA, the LGBTQ+ society of entertainment critics. While her specialties are television writing and comedy, Ryan is a young member of the LGBTQ+ community passionate about politics and advocating for all.