STOP HIV STIGMATISATION

HIV STIGMATISATION IMPACT

HIV-related stigma and discrimination significantly impact the health, lives, and well-being of people living with or at risk of HIV.

  • Emotional and Mental Health

    Internalised Stigma: People living with HIV often internalize the stigma they experience, leading to negative self-image and emotional distress.

    Fear of Disclosure: Fear of discrimination or negative judgment due to revealing their HIV status can cause anxiety and depression.

  • Healthcare Access and Adherence

    Avoidance Behaviors: Stigma discourages individuals from seeking healthcare services, including HIV testing and treatment.

    Treatment Adherence: Fear of being stigmatised may lead to non-adherence to HIV medications, affecting overall health

  • Social Isolation and Rejection

    Social Rejection: Stigmatising experiences such as gossip, verbal abuse, and avoidance behaviours can isolate people from their communities.

    Loss of Social Support: Stigma reduces social support networks, impacting emotional well-being.

  • Violence and Marginalisation

    Increased Risk: Stigmatised individuals face higher risks of violence, including intimate partner violence.

    Marginalisation: Stigma marginalises people, limiting access to education, employment, and justice.

STARTING A PROGRAM FOR INCREASED AWARENESS AND DECREASED STIGMA

Our program is still at an early stage of development and has so far involved meetings with two communities around Lake Victoria and among our beneficiaries to discuss the challenges and roots of HIV stigma.

Here are some actions that we plan to undertake:

Community Engagement and Education

Discussion Forums: Continue engaging with communities through open discussions about HIV/AIDS. These forums provide a safe space for people to share their experiences, ask questions, and dispel myths.

Awareness Campaigns: Conduct targeted awareness campaigns within the communities. Use various channels such as community meetings, radio, and social media to disseminate accurate information about HIV transmission, prevention, and treatment.

Education Programs: Develop educational programs that address misconceptions and provide evidence-based knowledge. These programs should emphasise that HIV is a medical condition and not a moral judgment

Strength Assessment and Empowerment

Community Strength Mapping: Assess the existing strengths within the communities. Identify local leaders, influencers, and support networks. Leverage these strengths to challenge stigma.

Empowerment Workshops: Organise workshops that empower community members to become advocates against stigma. Provide them with tools to educate others and promote empathy and understanding.

Addressing Food Insecurity

Nutritional Support: Collaborate with local organisations or government agencies to ensure that people living with HIV have access to nutritious food. Proper nutrition is essential for medication adherence and overall health.

Community Farming: The establishment of the Moringa farm has for objective to support people with a weak immunes system with the distribution of the food supplement.