admin
Nhlalwenhle Ngwenya
SELF-Stigma continues to be a major setback which triggers key populations to shun HIV testing services and also leads them to default in taking Antiretroviral Treatment (ART), a Zimbabwe Aids Network official said at a recent workshop held in Bulawayo.
World Health Organisation states that self-stigma “has an equally damaging effect on the mental well-being of people living with HIV or from key affected populations. This fear of discrimination breaks down confidence to seek help and medical care.”
Key populations are people who are at high risk of HIV infection like sex workers and truck drivers.
Speaking on the same tone, Zimbabwe Aids Network National Co-ordinator Taurai Nyandoro, said key populations suffering from self-stigma are likely to default from taking ART which may result in viral rebound, immune decompensation and clinical progression or seeking health care services.
“If a person who is on ART or someone who is seeking health services is having self stigma the likelihood of failing to adhere to ART and visiting a hospital respectively is very high. This also leads to reduced access to services that are in a public institution because of self and public stigma in general,” said Nyandoro.
On the other hand, Nyandoro said self stigma was still rife because of care providers who are the major perpetuators of self-stigma towards key populations.
“Care providers are also perpetuators and instigators of self-stigma. We need to address the attitude of care givers and the community in general towards key populations. Key populations also need to deal with the psychological issues that they face.
“It is a challenging task to overcome self-stigma, key populations suffering from this must join support groups as it also has mental implications,” he said.
Online Reporter