Six Forms of Stigma HIV Poses on Affected Individuals and Families

HIV/AIDS has been declared a global epidemic by the World Health Organization. The number of cases has increased significantly affecting numerous people and families around the world. Though the patients suffer from the symptoms and conditions inflicted by the virus, they also have to face a lot of stigma HIV poses in their everyday lives. Let’s take a look into different forms of stigma posed by this disease to get a better understanding. 



· Governmental Stigma: Several countries around the world have specific legislation in place that tends to discriminate against HIV/AIDS affected people. Several governments around the world do little to nothing to protect the rights of affected people and families. 

· Self-Stigma: This is also known as the individualized stigma that affects the mental health of the affected person. This can cause the person to isolate, feel shame, and stay silent towards the suffering. 

· Healthcare Stigma: This is one of the biggest forms of stigma that prevents the infected or affected individual to seek treatment and medicines. It has been observed that healthcare workers tend to limit their contact, medical care, or deny treatment to HIV patients. There have been reported cases where healthcare workers have violated a patient’s privacy and confidentiality. 

· Travel Bans: Several countries around the world have imposed a travel ban on people affected by HIV. Click here to read more about this. 

· Community Stigma: Affected people have to leave their homes and families because of the discrimination imposed by the community and family members. 

· Employment Stigma: There have been cases where an individual was denied a job or removed from the position due to the diagnosis. 

To reduce these different forms of stigma, Gilead COMPASS Initiative® has been actively working with individuals, communities, and non-profit organizations. 

Started by Gilead Sciences, Inc., this initiative is the first step towards combating different types of the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS. The initiative is a 10-year, $100 million commitment made by this bio pharmaceutical company. The initiative is specifically focused on reducing the stigma faced by African Americans HIV-affected families and individuals in Southern USA. The initiative provides training and corporate funding to non-profit organizations. With its three COMPASS coordinating centers, Gilead COMPASS Initiative® is a major step in this direction. 

About Gilead COMPASS Initiative®:

Gilead COMPASS Initiative® is an HIV Gilead resource that is directed towards combating stigma associated with the disease. 

For more information, visit https://www.gileadcompass.com/



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