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By Ashley Sim
AIDS… People living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) have faced immense challenges, not only in battling the physical and emotional toll of the illness but also in combating the social stigma that accompanies it. For far too long, the mere mention of AIDS has triggered fear, judgement, and discrimination.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. If HIV is not treated, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
WHO stated on its website: “HIV is primarily transmitted through certain bodily fluids, including blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. The most common modes of transmission include unprotected sexual intercourse (both heterosexual and homosexual), sharing contaminated needles or syringes during drug use, and from an HIV-positive mother to her child during childbirth or breastfeeding.”
In today’s society, where advancements in medical science have brought about significant progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS, one might assume that stigma surrounding the disease would have dissipated.
However, the harsh reality is that HIV/AIDS stigma persists, continuing to affect the lives of PLWHA, despite decades of awareness campaigns and advocacy.
The stigma associated with the disease can be traced back to the early years of the epidemic in the 1980s.
At that time, the virus was poorly understood, and fear and panic surrounding the disease spread rapidly. The lack of knowledge about how the virus was transmitted and the association of HIV/AIDS with certain marginalised groups contributed to the development of stigma.
“The stigma associated with HIV/AIDS discourages people from getting tested for the virus.
“People are fearful of being associated with HIV, so they would rather not know their status and avoid testing.
“After that, it is too late. When it’s too late, transmission of the virus becomes widespread,” Sarawak AIDS Concern Society (SACS) president Stevie Astly Robbart told DayakDaily recently during an exclusive interview at a cafe in La Promenade Mall, Kota Samarahan.
HIV testing is a crucial step in identifying the virus early and initiating timely treatment and care.
Early detection and treatment not only improve health outcomes for people living with HIV (PLHIV) but also help prevent the further transmission of the virus.
However, the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS creates a climate of fear and shame, which prevents many people from taking this important step.
“SACS provides a lot of assistance to PLWHA who have no one to talk to because of the stigma and taboo associated with HIV/AIDS.
“Some will refuse to discuss their conditions with their families or friends. They require someone to speak with. As a result, SACS is here to help,” Stevie added.
When asked if stigma associated with HIV/AIDS is still prevalent in the community, the SACS president stated that significant efforts have been made over the years to address and reduce stigma associated with the disease.
“I feel communities have become more open-minded and compassionate, challenging the stigmatising beliefs and discriminatory actions associated with HIV/AIDS.
“So I think it is improving, and we have noticed that more people are coming into our SACS centre to be tested.”
Stevie also advised high-risk individuals, such as those who engage in unprotected sexual activity or share needles or syringes during drug use, to undergo testing.
“I also believe that communities are becoming more accepting and understanding of homosexual individuals living with HIV/AIDS.”
He went on to say that as HIV/AIDS awareness and advocacy has grown over the years, health care professionals have become more open-minded and have received the necessary training.
“I understand the Ministry of Health of Malaysia (KKM) has been doing a good job in providing and practising inclusiveness in providing treatment and care to the LGBT community,” he remarked.
It is crucial for society to confront the HIV/AIDS stigma head-on. Breaking down the walls of stigma requires widespread education, open dialogue, and a commitment to empathy.
Recognizing that HIV/AIDS affects people from all walks of life, regardless of age, gender, or sexual orientation, is essential to fostering a more compassionate and inclusive society.
It is only through unity and understanding that we can truly address the challenges posed by HIV/AIDS and build a world that embraces the inherent worth and dignity of every individual, regardless of their health status.
SACS offers free HIV/HepC (Hepatitis C)/HepB (Hepatitis B)/Syphilis testing at their centre on Level 4 of La Promenade Mall, Kota Samarahan. The non-governmental organisation (NGO) also provides employment/training opportunities through ‘Projek Bangkit’, a collaboration with Perkeso.
For more information, get in touch with SACS at their helpline number, 019-3723173, via email at sarawakaids@gmail.com, or on their Facebook page, Sarawak AIDS Concern Society. — DayakDaily
