Social life with people infected with HIV
The negative perception of people living with HIV (PLWHA) can actually increase the spread of this virus. HIV infection is a global health problem. In 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that around 1 million people with HIV died worldwide.
Based on data obtained from UNAIDS (United Nations Program on HIV / AIDS) in 2016, around 620,000 people were infected with HIV (PLHIV) in Indonesia. 3200 cases occur in children and the death rate of this disease reaches 40,000 cases. Anyone can be at risk of contracting HIV. Therefore, treatment and prevention of the spread of this disease must begin with the support and understanding of people with HIV.
Discrimination and stigmatization of PLWHA
Not only to stay healthy, PHA faces another challenge, which is no less serious: stigma and discrimination. Many ODHA lose their jobs, are rejected by their family and friends, or become victims of violence. UNAIDS data shows that 62.8% of Indonesians are reluctant to interact with PLWHA.
Several factors that underlie stigma and discrimination against PLWHA are:
With social stigma, people living with HIV are discriminated against, such as being expelled from an office or school because HIV is positive or not allowed to use public places such as places of worship.
The government and health professionals certainly play an important role in reducing the stigma of the general public towards PLWHA. Education about PLWHA can help people better understand this disease.
Tell someone else
The stigma and discrimination described above often make PLHIV reluctant to disclose their conditions to others. But telling some people that you are HIV-positive brings many benefits, such as:
However, once a diagnosis is made, you don't have to immediately tell everyone about your illness. Take the time and be selective in determining who needs to know your situation. Make sure that:
In some cases, informing someone's condition is not a choice, but a necessity. For example in the head of health and life insurance.
Be aware of the consequences and reduce the risk
Having HIV no longer allows you to do things like give blood. In addition to taking care of your personal health, you have an obligation not to transmit HIV to others.
HIV spreads through body fluids such as sperm, blood, vaginal fluid and breast milk. Because virus transmission is more common in unprotected sex, using a condom is a solution to reduce the risk of transmission to your partner. In addition, a mother can transmit the virus through the uterus, during labor, or through breastfeeding. But with existing treatment steps, a woman can get pregnant and give birth without transmitting HIV to her child.
Sharing injection equipment can increase the risk of transmission due to HIV blood flow. Also avoid sharing needles for drug use.
You can read more comprehensive information about preventing the spread of HIV here.
Ask for assistance
You are not alone According to 2015 UNAIDS data, there are around 690,000 PLWHA in Indonesia. In addition to paramedics and close relatives, you can share information with other PHAs to get proper support and care.
You can join the Indonesian AIDS community and find institutions that offer testing and services to PLHIV in your city. A forum on various information about HIV is also available at Spiritia Foundation.
Based on data obtained from UNAIDS (United Nations Program on HIV / AIDS) in 2016, around 620,000 people were infected with HIV (PLHIV) in Indonesia. 3200 cases occur in children and the death rate of this disease reaches 40,000 cases. Anyone can be at risk of contracting HIV. Therefore, treatment and prevention of the spread of this disease must begin with the support and understanding of people with HIV.
Not only to stay healthy, PHA faces another challenge, which is no less serious: stigma and discrimination. Many ODHA lose their jobs, are rejected by their family and friends, or become victims of violence. UNAIDS data shows that 62.8% of Indonesians are reluctant to interact with PLWHA.
Several factors that underlie stigma and discrimination against PLWHA are:
- HIV is a feared disease, but many people do not understand it well.
- Some people still believe that HIV can spread through physical contact, for example by touching or sharing drinks. This makes ODHIV likely to be avoided.
- HIV and AIDS are often associated with certain behavioral offenders such as drug addicts and sex offenders. This stigma shows that the virus is infected because of the moral weakness of PLWHA.
With social stigma, people living with HIV are discriminated against, such as being expelled from an office or school because HIV is positive or not allowed to use public places such as places of worship.
The government and health professionals certainly play an important role in reducing the stigma of the general public towards PLWHA. Education about PLWHA can help people better understand this disease.
Tell someone else
The stigma and discrimination described above often make PLHIV reluctant to disclose their conditions to others. But telling some people that you are HIV-positive brings many benefits, such as:
- You are not alone in living with HIV. There is support and affection from your loved ones that makes you feel confident.
- You are more likely to get health care if needed.
- You help prevent the possibility of spreading the virus to others, especially couples.
However, once a diagnosis is made, you don't have to immediately tell everyone about your illness. Take the time and be selective in determining who needs to know your situation. Make sure that:
- Start with the people closest to you and the people you trust, like your partner.
- Find out why you need to tell this person about your condition.
- Be prepared for a surprise reaction or even a bad reaction that you might receive.
- Complete with more in-depth information about HIV. Your contact person may ask a few questions about your illness.
- Instead of just saying, you might want to present a treatment plan and some changes to fight HIV.
- If you decide to talk to your boss, include a statement from your doctor and tell him whether your condition will affect your work.
In some cases, informing someone's condition is not a choice, but a necessity. For example in the head of health and life insurance.
Be aware of the consequences and reduce the risk
Having HIV no longer allows you to do things like give blood. In addition to taking care of your personal health, you have an obligation not to transmit HIV to others.
HIV spreads through body fluids such as sperm, blood, vaginal fluid and breast milk. Because virus transmission is more common in unprotected sex, using a condom is a solution to reduce the risk of transmission to your partner. In addition, a mother can transmit the virus through the uterus, during labor, or through breastfeeding. But with existing treatment steps, a woman can get pregnant and give birth without transmitting HIV to her child.
Sharing injection equipment can increase the risk of transmission due to HIV blood flow. Also avoid sharing needles for drug use.
You can read more comprehensive information about preventing the spread of HIV here.
Ask for assistance
You are not alone According to 2015 UNAIDS data, there are around 690,000 PLWHA in Indonesia. In addition to paramedics and close relatives, you can share information with other PHAs to get proper support and care.
You can join the Indonesian AIDS community and find institutions that offer testing and services to PLHIV in your city. A forum on various information about HIV is also available at Spiritia Foundation.
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