HIV and AIDS related stigma and discrimination in Botswana
Document type: mthesis
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Abstract:
HIV/AIDS has been the most serious problem in Botswana since the epidemic emerged in 1985. Since then, the Government and its donors have implemented various interventions to combat the epidemic. However, the national HIV prevalence rate was still very high, 17.6% in 2008 (CSO, 2009). Stigma & discrimination is regarded one of the determinants which tends to drive to the spread of the epidemic in Botswana because they militate against prevention and care efforts of the epidemic. The main objective of this thesis is to identify manifestations, determinants and impacts of HIV/AIDS related stigma & discrimination in Botswana, and to review the interventions domestically and internationally in order to explore the relevant and effective interventions in reducing stigma & discrimination in Botswana. In this descriptive exploratory study, literature review is used. Stigma & discrimination on HIV/AIDS is a complicated and multifaceted phenomenon, so that they can occur everywhere such as in the family, the community, the school, the workplace and health care settings in Botswana. HIV/AIDS related stigma & discrimination are rooted in the fear of contagion resulting from lack of in-depth knowledge on HIV/AIDS, negative attitudes towards PLHIV resulting from the linkage between HIV/AIDS and social taboos such as men who have sex with men (MSM) and sex workers, and lack of anti-discriminatory law which can protect PLHIV and the marginalized groups. The impact of HIV/AIDS related stigma & discrimination is not only a barrier in responding to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, but also it is a tremendous blow to economy in Botswana. Because of fear for stigma & discrimination, people are reluctant to take HIV testing, disclose their HIV status to others, and seek treatment for HIV/AIDS. Furthermore HIV/AIDS related stigma & discrimination affect household finances in Botswana society. In Botswana, scaling up of treatment and care has already been implemented in Botswana and made a big achievement. The coverage of ART and PMTCT is very high, which can reduce stigma & discrimination. Also the introduction of routine HIV testing (RHT) has made a positive effect for the reduction of stigma & discrimination. Recommendations have been made for effective interventions including the provision of Promoting HIV/AIDS knowledge and awareness, empowerment of PLHIV and the marginalized groups, greater involvement of PLHIV, legal reform, scaling up of treatment and care, and the improvement of future research.
Authors:
Ogasawara, T.
Country:
Botswana
Category:
Research
Department:
Development Policy & Practice
Institute:
KIT (Royal Tropical Institute)
Keywords:
HIV and AIDS
,
human rights
,
disease prevention and control
Language:
eng
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute
PAGE:
47
Year:
2009
Region:
Southern Africa
Right:
© 2009 Ogasawara
Subject:
Health and Nutrition
Title:
HIV and AIDS related stigma and discrimination in Botswana
Training:
Master of Public Health / International Course in Health Development (ICHD)