HIV and AIDS
Discrimination against those at risk of HIV hinders the fight against AIDS
26.11.2024Reading time: 2 min.
Men who have sex with men could receive good treatment for HIV infection - but many do not dare to see a doctor as of discriminatory laws.
According to a UN report,discrimination against people with AIDS or with an increased risk of infection in some countries is preventing the successful fight against the immunodeficiency disease.
The number of infections is increasing in 28 countries worldwide, according to the report by the UN program UNAIDS on World AIDS Day (December 1st). One of the reasons is that people do not seek medical help for fear of stigmatization.
According to the german Aid aid Association, the risk of infection with the HIV virus, which if left untreated can led to the often fatal disease AIDS, is higher in certain groups. In 2021, 55,000 of the 91,000 people who became newly infected with HIV in Germany were infected through sex between men, 11,000 people through heterosexual contact and 9,000 people through intravenous drug use.
According to UNAIDS, same-sex sex was banned in 63 countries in 2023. In these countries, the infection rate among men who have sex with men is five times higher than in countries that do not criminalize such relationships.
If discrimination ends, the UN goal of eliminating AIDS as a threat to public health by 2030 can be achieved. New medicines must also become cheaper and be available in all regions of the world, demands UNAIDS.
“To protect the health of all, we must protect the rights of all,” said UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima. ”When girls are denied education, when gender-based violence goes unpunished, when people can be arrested as of who they are or who they love, when it is indeed perilous for people to attend health services because of their membership in a particular community, then this leads to people being… denied access to HIV services that are essential to saving their lives and ending the AIDS pandemic.”
According to the program, 39.9 million people worldwide are living with HIV. Almost a quarter of them do not receive the life-saving medication. in 2023,630,000 people died in connection with AIDS and 1.3 million people became newly infected with the HIV virus.
In recent years, the number of new HIV infections has decreased globally, according to a new study by the US Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation IHME. This means that fewer and fewer people are dying from the disease. sub-Saharan Africa in particular has seen a particularly sharp decline in infections and deaths. In other regions, though, the numbers increased.
The study,which appeared in The Lancet HIV,also predicts a global peak. According to this, 44.4 million people could be infected with HIV in 2039, before the numbers slowly decline in the years thereafter.
What are the main challenges in addressing discrimination against individuals living with HIV and AIDS?
Interview: The Fight Against AIDS and the Barrier of Discrimination
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone, to another insightful edition of Time.news. Today, we’re diving deep into a critical issue surrounding the ongoing fight against HIV and AIDS. Joining us is Dr.Emily Carter, an esteemed public health expert with extensive experience in HIV research and advocacy. Thank you for being here, Dr. Carter.
Dr. Emily Carter: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such an vital topic.
Time.news Editor: Let’s start with the current landscape. Recent reports, including findings from the UN, indicate that discrimination against individuals at risk for HIV substantially hampers our efforts against AIDS.Can you elaborate on how discrimination manifests in this context?
Dr. Emily Carter: Absolutely. Discrimination against those at risk for HIV often takes many forms, including social stigma, lack of access to healthcare, and even legal barriers. When individuals feel marginalized or ashamed due to their HIV status or risk factors, they are less likely to seek testing and treatment, which perpetuates the cycle of infection and disease. It creates an environment of fear rather than one of support and understanding.
time.news Editor: That’s incredibly concerning. why do you think discrimination persists in society, even with the advancements in our understanding of HIV and AIDS?
dr. Emily Carter: There are several factors at play. Cultural attitudes, misinformation about the virus, and deep-seated biases against certain communities all contribute. In many cases, people are simply unaware of the facts surrounding HIV transmission and treatment. This ignorance breeds fear and stigma, making it challenging to change perceptions. Education and outreach are key to dismantling these harmful narratives.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned education. What role does it play in combating discrimination and, by extension, advancing the fight against AIDS?
Dr. Emily Carter: Education is vital. Comprehensive sexual health education can empower individuals to understand their risks and the importance of testing. It helps to normalize conversations about HIV and encourages individuals to seek treatment without fear of judgment.The more people know, the more they can advocate for themselves and others, reducing stigma on a community level.
Time.news Editor: Given this context, what strategies do you believe are most effective in addressing discrimination against those at risk for HIV?
Dr. Emily Carter: I would emphasize community engagement.Programs that involve peer education, where individuals from affected communities speak out and share their experiences, can be transformative. Additionally, integrating mental health support with HIV services can provide individuals with the tools they need to cope with stigma. Advocating for policy changes to protect the rights of those living with or at risk of HIV is also crucial.
Time.news Editor: It’s clear that a multi-faceted approach is necessary. How can the broader community contribute to these efforts to support those affected by HIV?
Dr. Emily Carter: Community involvement is essential. People can volunteer with local organizations, participate in awareness campaigns, or simply have open conversations about HIV with their friends and family. By creating a supportive environment and challenging harmful stereotypes,we inspire a culture of acceptance that can significantly impact the lives of those at risk.
Time.news Editor: Dr. Carter, thank you for your insights. It’s evident that while we’ve made progress in the fight against HIV and AIDS, we have much to do, especially regarding discrimination. Your expertise sheds light on how we can collectively forge a path toward a more equitable future.
Dr. Emily Carter: Thank you for having me. I believe that with continued dialog and action, we can make a difference.
Time.news Editor: A heartfelt thanks to Dr. Emily Carter for sharing her expertise today. Let’s keep this conversation going, as together we can dismantle the barriers to combating HIV and AIDS. Thank you for tuning in!