| More Antiretroviral Drugs will Reduce Stigma and
Discrimination in West Africa
Lionel F
Morgan
UCOW/HILLS,
Monrovia, Liberia
Background: In West Africa, the high level of
Stigma and discrimination attached to the victims of HIV/AIDS is due to
the lack of many factors including the lack of free and cheaper
antiretroviral drugs. This is due to poverty on the part of victims and
the lack of good policies by the government to subsidise ARVs.
Methods: Discussing sexuality issues publicly in West
Africa is like a taboo, therefore several techniques have to be adopted
inorder to collect adequate informationfor analysis.
The information collected was drawn from four countries,
namely; Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana and Benin. In the process, schools
refugee camps internally displaced campsnight clubs bars and other public
places including market grounds and youth centers. Interviews were
conducted and questionaires were given at times and also group
discussionswere held inorder to get the individual and general view of the
masses.
Results: The assessment passed out well with just
few minor obstacles relating to some discussions in some areas forbidden
by social customs and traditions. In total 300 persons were surveyed, ages
12 to 25. Ninety percent of illiterate the people know that AIDS is a
sickness but do not know how it is transmitted, whereas 50% of the
students know that AIDS exist and it is real but do not know the actual
root causes or what even the acronym stands for. About 20% of them do not
know the difference between high risk behavior and low risk ones. About
98% of the students agree that stigma and discrimination affects the rate
of growth of infected persons whilst 40% of sexually active youthsaid that
they do not like the use of condoms. About 85% of them said that they can
never befriend someone with AIDS i.e they cannot eat, talk, shakehandsor
share clothes. Surprisingly 23% said that if the doctor tells them that
they are HIV positive they will either commit suicide or get
extraordinarily promiscuous to spread the disease and not to die alone.
Conclusion: It is possible to decrease stigma and
discrimination by providing information on HIV/AIDS. This should focus on
what the virus is how it can be transmitted and prevented. There should be
intensive education on how victims of the pandemic should be treated and
cared for.
Governments should subsidise the importation of cheaper
and safer antiretroviral drugs and and do everything possible to reduce
stigma and discrimination as relate to HIV/AIDS. Stigma and discrimination
will be reduced because some hope, at least is provided for a longer and
healthier life. If drugs are provided to buttress the counseling received,
people will feel comfortable when affected |
