Why is there such stigma attached to HIV/AIDS?

• Strong reactions because it is a life threatening disease.
• HIV infection is assumed to be the result of personal irresponsibility.
• Can be infected sexually which often has moral connotations.
• There are a lot of misconceptions about the disease leading to irrational behavior and confusion over who is at risk.
• It is often associated with already stigmatized subsets of the population (homosexuals, drug users, etc).
• Religious beliefs that may lead some people to think that acquisition of the disease is a moral punishment for sins.

The Repercussions of this stigmatization:

• Loss of income/livelihood
• Loss of reputation/ pride in oneself
• Loss of hope & feelings of worthlessness in infected individuals.
• Withdrawal of caregiving in the home.
• Poor or unequal acccess to proper health care.
• Dissolution of marriage/ problems bearing children

www.avert.org/hiv-aids-stigma/