Analysis by ICRW stigma expert Laura Nyblade and ICRW partner Virginia Bond shows that patients who exhibit visible TB symptoms often face stigmatizing behavior similar to that faced by people with HIV, such as being ostracized, publicly humiliated and shunned by family and friends.HOW TO REDUCE THE STIGMA OF AIDS
ICRW STIGMA Publications | Other Resources
Why Is Stigma Important?
The United States, other developed countries, developing nations, nongovernmental organizations and individuals collectively spend billions of dollars to fight HIV and AIDS. Stigma has a profound impact on HIV/AIDS programs, often limiting their reach and decreasing their effectiveness.
Data suggest that fewer people seek HIV testing because they fear a positive result and the stigma that follows. People who do get tested often don't return for their results for fear of being seen at a clinic known to test for HIV.
People who are HIV-positive face social repercussions that may include:
- Eviction from their homes;
- Threats of physical violence;
- Loss of property and/or other assets;
- Abandonment by their partners; and/or
- Poor medical care.
Stigma also affects people's willingness to disclose a positive test result to others, including their spouses. In some cases, people know that they have HIV for years but do not tell even their most intimate partners for fear of stigma and its consequences. This can have serious repercussions for preventing further transmission of the virus.
If government and nongovernment agencies want HIV/AIDS programs to be most effective, stigma must be addressed.
ICRW STIGMA Publications:
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Understanding and Challenging HIV Stigma: (1) Introduction and Module A |
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HIV/AIDS Stigma: Finding Solutions to Strengthen HIV/AIDS Programs |
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Understanding and Challenging HIV Stigma: Toolkit for Action |
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HIV & AIDS-Stigma and Violence Reduction Intervention Manual |
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Measuring HIV Stigma: Results of a Field Test in Tanzania |
