HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) remains one of the world’s epidemics, with significant progress being made in the scientific and medical community in the treatment and management of the virus. Despite these important successes, the stigma surrounding HIV continues to be strong in many societies, including Greece, causing serious social and psychological consequences for people living with the virus. This stigma manifests itself in a number of ways, preventing individuals from accessing appropriate health care, while at the same time reinforcing their fear and marginalization.

What is HIV Stigma

It is the social rejection, marginalization and discrimination experienced by people living with HIV. Often, society treats these people with prejudices and negative perceptions, creating an environment of fear and isolation. Stigma can take many forms and has serious consequences for both the mental health of individuals and their health care.

Examples of Stigma

HIV stigma can manifest itself in different ways in the daily lives of people living with the virus. Some typical examples are the following:

Isolation and Avoidance

People with HIV often experience social isolation due to the fear created by the prejudices surrounding the virus. For example, a person who announces that they are living with HIV may be isolated from their friends or shunned by relatives who fear the “risk” of transmission. This happened recently to 27-year-old Maria who told a relative that she was living with HIV and soon began to face withdrawal, isolation and avoidance from her family and friends, although there was no risk of social transmission of the virus.

Self-stigma

People living with HIV often feel shame and guilt about their condition. This can prevent them from seeking medical help or even getting treatment. For example, George, 35, who was diagnosed with HIV, goes to great lengths to keep his condition a secret from his family and friends because of the shame he feels about the disease. Fear of rejection or social outcry leads him to isolate himself and possibly avoid treatment.

Discrimination in the Workplace

Many people with HIV face discrimination in their workplace due to fear and prejudice surrounding the virus. An example is Nikos, a worker in a public sector in Greece, who when he reveals his condition, faces marginalization and burden in his work. He is gradually not assigned new responsibilities or positions, while his colleagues avoid him without there being a real risk of the virus being transmitted in the work environment.

Exclusion from Health Care

Despite advances in HIV treatments, some people avoid seeking medical help for fear of being stigmatized by medical personnel. In another case, Katerina reported that she hesitated to see a doctor for other health concerns because she was afraid that she would be judged based on her HIV status. Although doctors have no reason to withhold care, fear of discrimination led her to avoid necessary medical care.

The Effects of HIV Stigma

HIV stigma has serious consequences for people who experience it:

• Self-Esteem and Mental Health

Stigma can reduce the self-esteem of people living with HIV, leading to emotional problems such as depression, anxiety and isolation. Frequent social disapproval causes feelings of loneliness and mental stress.

• Avoidance of Treatment

People with HIV may be afraid to seek treatment or avoid health screening, fearing discrimination or being called out by medical staff. This has serious consequences for their health, as a delay in treatment can lead to complications and progression of the disease.

• Social Exclusion

People with HIV are often excluded from important social and professional networks because of the prejudices surrounding the disease. Social isolation intensifies feelings of rejection and loneliness.

What Can We Do to Fight HIV Stigma?

It is necessary to take concrete actions that will promote the acceptance and understanding of the virus. Some of the steps we can take are:

• Education and Awareness

Providing information and educating the public about HIV and its transmission is critical to reducing stigma. Dispelling myths and misconceptions can help build a more supportive society.

• Creating Support Networks

Supporting people living with HIV through social and medical networks can help combat isolation. Establishing support groups for people living with HIV can enhance their mental and social well-being.

• Education of Health Professionals

Health professionals must be trained to provide care without prejudice and to ensure that their patients receive appropriate treatment without discrimination.

• Combating Legal Discrimination

Enacting and implementing laws that protect people with HIV from discrimination in their employment and social rights is a critical step in reducing stigma.

Conclusion

HIV stigma remains a significant challenge for people living with the virus, but we can reduce it with continued education and support. Fighting the stigma surrounding HIV requires a concerted effort from all sectors of society. If society recognizes that HIV should not be a cause for social isolation or marginalization, then people living with the virus will be able to have an equal social status and a life free of prejudice and hesitation. This change takes time, but it is possible and necessary to protect human rights and promote the health of all of us.

George Ploumidis