The stigmas surrounding AIDS survivors need to be broken

Introduction

The very first case of HIV was registered in 1959, from a man who had died in Kinshasa, in the present-day Democratic Republic of Congo.

The very first case of HIV in India was detected in the sex workers of Chennai in the year 1986.

The Facts Behind the Stories of AIDS

HIV or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, as the name suggests is a virus that can attack the immune system of the body. In particular, it attacks the CD4 or T Cells, which assist the immune system to fight off any infections. When left untreated, this virus could lead to a condition known as Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome or more commonly AIDS. The main problem with HIV is that the human body cannot get rid of it completely, which means that if you contract the virus, you will have to live with it for the rest of your life.

We have heard plenty of stories about people infected with HIV and AIDS; we have seen the stigma that is associated with those inflicted with this condition. But how many of us actually know what causes the infection? Talk to the general public and they will tell you that AIDS spreads through sexual contact, but that is only one reason.

Yes, sexual fluids can lead to HIV - when you have unprotected intercourse (vaginal, anal or oral) with a person who has the virus, especially those that present in the form of open sores or breaks in the skin.
If contaminated blood is transmitted to a healthy person or an infected organ is transplanted, it could lead to infection.
Transmission of HIV is also one of the reasons why disposable syringes became the norm, globally. The virus could be spread through shared syringes and needles.
An infected mother could transmit the virus to her unborn child or through breastfeeding.

Why is There a Need to Break the Stigma?

We can't deny the fact that there is a need to break the stigma associated with AIDS, but the question that arises first is why is there a stigma in the first place. HIV cannot be transmitted through touch, hugging, or even kissing; it does not spread by sharing utensils or sharing a room. But still, people choose to ostracise those infected with this condition.

There is a serious lack of information, which is what often leads to fear. In the early 1980s, when the virus was first discovered, there was very little information available, but today, when we know that it can be controlled and the methods by which it spreads, there is no space for any misinformation.
For the longest time, the transmission was associated with behavior that could be categorized as risky - unprotected sex, usage of drugs, and even homosexuality. Quite obviously, there was a moral judgment that was often passed, without any actual facts in hand. There were even those who associated religious and cultural beliefs - those who contracted the virus had spiritual failings such as being cursed.
Because there is a lack of education about the condition, there is a fear of transmission. When there is a lack of information, people are not aware of how the condition spreads, and that leads to irrational fear.
Unfortunately, for the longest time, the media and movies portrayed HIV in an almost negative light - this caused a reinforcement of the stigma associated with HIV and AIDS.

What are the Actual Statistics?

HIV goals and targets are a part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals or SDG 3 - “ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing for all at all ages.”

The present targets are known as 95-95-95 targets - 95% of people suffering from HIV will know their status, 95% of people who are aware of their condition will be getting the proper treatment, and 95% of the people who are on treatment, will have their virus suppressed. These targets are to be met by 2025, however, the world is tragically behind on the numbers.

As of 2021, there are 2.4 million people who are living with HIV globally and 65% of people are on antiretroviral treatment.
77% of people were in the know about their status, out of which 84% were on the treatment protocols, and of those, 85% had suppressed viral loads.
Unfortunately, in 2020, India had only reached about 50% of the viral load testing coverage.

But on a brighter note, the number of new HIV infections has decreased by 37% since the year 2010. Moreover, the treatment has been free in India since 2004, and several Healthcare NGOs are helping out with the distribution of medication and administering of the treatment.

What Support do the HIV Survivors Really Need?

When we are looking at ways of how to break the stigma, it needs to be at several levels:

For starters, there needs to be a lot more education and information being dissipated about HIV and AIDS. Awareness programs need to become the norm of the day because only comprehensive and accurate information about transmission, prevention, and treatment can remove the misconceptions. It is imperative that people understand that this is a medical condition like any other, and no reflection whatsoever on a person's moral character.
Healthcare providers need to get the proper information as well as training because they need to provide compassionate care, free from any and all judgment. As a matter of fact, hospitals and clinics where HIV testing is done should also have facility of counseling, because only talking openly about the subject can help reduce the stigma and bring more HIV survivor's stories to the forefront.
The community has a large part to play in all this - with open conversations, and dissemination of facts and information, the people of the community need to come together and offer those affected with HIV a support system. Rather than ostracising and pushing them out, there is a need to give them the chance to live with dignity.
There is also a need for non-discrimination, especially in the workplace - strong norms need to be put into place that work be judged solely on merit and not on a medical condition that a person might be suffering from.

Here are Some NGOs that are Helping Break Stigmas Associated with HIV-AIDS

Kolkata Rista: A transgender-based NGO, Kolkata Rista currently works in 4 states of India, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh. They have been working to not only raise awareness about HIV-AIDS but also bring to light the stories of AIDS survivors. Because they work extensively with people from the third gender and those who identify with the broader groups of the LGBTQI community, they are able to reach a section of society that is often overlooked by the general society. They also work with government agencies and bring in communities to help spread information and awareness.
Desire Society: This is an NGO that works with children who are fighting HIV-AIDS and the main aim remains to reduce the spread of the infection and put into place the proper strategies that appear. The team wants to help people live with the condition and bring down the mortality levels. In addition, they offer assistance to the affected by getting the medication they need from the schemes being run by the government and monitor their intake and dosage as well. Most importantly, they are working towards offering shelter and a better life to children who are affected or orphaned due to HIV-AIDS.
Lakshya Trust: Lakshya literally means aim or target and this NGO is committed to creating a more amiable environment around people suffering from HIV-AIDS. Founded in the year 2000, Lakshya aims to become one of the leaders in the field of sexual health initiatives, for the entire community including minorities such as gays, lesbians, and transgender. Their main focus remains on increasing awareness about the condition and through their 'drop-in centres', they are able to reach out to a large number of people. They help distribute condoms, encourage open conversations about sexually transmitted diseases, and help treat the same. Lakshya also serves as the national surveillance site for the National AIDS Control Organisation.
Alliance India: The start of any HIV survivor's story begins at the point of when the condition is first detected and at that point, they need to be registered, so that their medication and treatment can be monitored. The India HIV/AIDS Alliance does exactly that - once a person is registered as being HIV positive, this team ensures that they are constantly in touch, monitoring their treatment and ensuring they take their medications on time. They also work with victims of drug abuse, because they are at most risk, due to shared needles and syringes.