Labeling individuals living with HIV

Assist. Prof. Dr. Ufuk Kaya, lecturer in the Department of Nursing of Cyprus International University (CIU) School of Health Sciences, stated that in societies where the number of HIV cases continues to increase rapidly, there are reactions such as fear, prejudice and stigmatization, and said, “Prejudices like Labeling, Exclusion or Stigmatization are the reactions exhibited against the affected group. These behaviors are seen as discriminatory and unacceptable."

Stating that HIV is called the Immunodeficiency Virus and that it is a disease that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune System Disorder) making the human body weak against some types of cancer, Kaya said, “According to the data released by the World Health Organization, HIV has caused 40.4 million deaths so far. It is also known that 39 million individuals in the world were diagnosed with HIV in 2022 and 1.3 million new diagnoses were expected to be made within the same year."

Kaya pointed out that stigmatizing behaviors towards this disease can be seen in all segments of a society, and underlined that this stigmatization can be seen even among professional healthcare groups.

Kaya drew attention to the fact that many negative problems arise in individuals living with HIV due to the negative attitudes displayed by the society, and added, "These include anxiety, need for shelter, depression, insecurity, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempt, anxiety, fear, occupational limitation, inability to effectively benefit from health services, travel limitation, lack of social support, isolation, guilt, shame and decrease in quality of life."

Kaya also noted that social support is of great importance in cases of stigmatization and that strategies that will defend and protect the rights of individuals are needed.  Stating that the most effective method against stigma is education, Kaya concluded by saying, “Within the scope of public health education, students should be informed in schools. Such training can produce positive results and make people's perspectives more positive. It should not be forgotten that HIV is not only a medical but also a human rights problem."