HIV stigma – what people living with HIV need to know

Stigma is one of the most dangerous aspects of HIV and could cost patients their lives, an expert says.

Despite the fact that the world has made great strides in HIV education and treatment over the last 10 years, many patients still feel ashamed when they're diagnosed.

This stigma is one of the most dangerous aspects of HIV and we still have a long way to go when it comes to eliminating the shame associated with the virus.




No longer a death sentence

This is according to Health24's HIV expert Dr Sindisiwe van Zyl. She explains that the humiliation HIV positive patients experience can be deadly because it keeps them from seeking medical assistance, and "although the virus is no longer a death sentence, some people would rather get sick than access treatment".

An anonymous Health24 reader confirms that feeling too ashamed to ask questions was a major hurdle for her when she was diagnosed.

"I had a million questions but didn't want to reach out because I was afraid that people would judge and reject me," she says. "It was one of the main reasons I didn't start treatment immediately."
Read the full question here: HIV stigma
Understanding HIV can be complicated, so we took a look at some of the common questions on Health24's HIV forum. These can provide answers for those that are too embarrassed to ask.