HIV and Stigma

Abstract

Stigma is mainly associated with diseases which are incurable and are perceived by the society as caused by the violation of societal norms. HIV/AIDS is an example of one such disease. HIV/AIDS related stigma is present at all levels: family, community and health services. This stigma prevents people from getting tests done, from disclosing their seropositivity and taking proper treatment, which in turn, increases the chances of infection and causes various mental health problems. Various programmes have been developed at the national and international levels to address the stigma and provide proper treatment to such individuals.