2024-03-08 07:49:00
Of all HIV cases detected in Spain, 15% are women. Within the framework of International Women’s Day, a play aims to end the stigma caused by this virus.
Photo of the performance of the play “Madness of HIVda”. Image provided.
Six women are the protagonists of the play “Madness of HIVda” who act under the direction of Nicoletta Capello and the collaboration of “La doctora Álvarez.”
As Sara Sánchez, coordinator of the “HIV Women” project, narrates in an interview with EFEsalud, the representation is organized by Cesida and sponsored by ViiV HealthCare. This pharmaceutical company is the only one completely specialized in HIV. The play was performed on February 29 at the Teatro de las Aguas.
The script delves into the mental health complexities of HIV in women. Likewise, it is part of the “Teatreras” project of Cesida. The aim is to achieve with this second edition of the project that viewers have the opportunity for reflection.
HIVda madness. Poster provided by Cesida.
HIV in women
According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), people with HIV face a significantly higher risk of experiencing mental health disorders. Depression, for example, is one of the most common due to the stress associated with your condition.
In the case of women, there are also additional stigmas that can lead to social isolation and feelings of loneliness. These elements are also key in the development of disorders such as depression.
In Spain, 15% of new diagnoses made are in women. This is an epidemiological reality. However, most scientific research and psychosocial interventions are aimed at the area of HIV in men.
HIVda madness and life testimony
Six women star in the play: Teresa, Dominique, Ángela, Paloma, Belén and Ana. They, through humor and key moments that reveal and explain their story, share their experiences and highlight the unique challenges they face for being women with HIV.
One of the protagonists, at one point in the play, shares her painful story: “I couldn’t have been more alone. I caught HIV on purpose: I wanted to die. I had been taking drugs for 30 years and had developed a borderline disorder. I heard voices. It all started with a buzz.”
In this context, Sara Sánchez affirms that some of the actresses, after the performance, felt that they had released the weight of finally telling the story that they had never told anyone in that way.
“Many times the stigma is directed towards oneself. Many of these women have not even mentioned it to their family,” says the project coordinator.
This initiative, in addition to raising awareness about HIV and the stigma faced by those who suffer from it, offers an opportunity to give a voice to people who suffer from this condition and live with its consequences on a daily basis.
Photo of the theatrical performance of “Vivid Madness”. Image provided by Cesida.
“HIV women”
The play is framed within the Cesida community of women with HIV. Sara Sánchez explains that the “HIV Women” project was born virtually during the pandemic. In 2020, seven women began to meet electronically to share their life experiences and feelings.
“The pandemic was a very stressful time, with a lot of anxiety, that is why it was decided to create an online community in which women can meet, even if it is virtually,” explains the coordinator.
Currently there are about 80 women who participate in this group nationwide. The ultimate goal is for these women to be able to talk openly about the mental, emotional, and day-to-day health consequences of HIV. Furthermore, it is intended to put aside the great stigma that not only the disease has, but even more so, this disease in women.
II Conference on HIV-positive women
Every two years, Cesida organizes HIV women’s conferences. It is the largest event of all those organized by the community, as it consists of round tables, presentations by professionals from all fields, talks…
This year, as Sara explains, the sessions have been designed to address the mental health of women with HIV. Some of the presentations have addressed suicide prevention or unwanted loneliness in these patients. Likewise, the problem of stigma and discrimination has been highlighted, even within the healthcare field.
“The day has a first part in the morning. Round tables are held and the topic in question is discussed. In the afternoon a recreational activity is carried out and then, the next day, we work only with women,” adds the spokesperson for HIV-positive women.
Different challenges and needs
Women with HIV have different needs and challenges than other population groups. Given this evidence, Cesida becomes actively involved.
Poster II HIVV Women Conference. Image provided by Cesida.
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