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AIDS-related discrimination in Asia
S Paxton1, G Gonzales, K Uppakaew
1APN+/Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health & Society, La Trobe University, Australia. s.paxton@posresponse.org
AIDS Care
|July 23, 2005
Summary
People living with HIV/AIDS in Asia face significant discrimination, especially in healthcare settings. This peer-led study highlights the urgent need to address discrimination and ensure equitable treatment for all individuals with HIV.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Social Sciences
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The Asia Pacific Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS (APN+) initiated a study to document AIDS-related discrimination.
- Understanding the patterns and extent of discrimination is crucial for effective HIV/AIDS interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct the first regional documentation of AIDS-related discrimination in Asia.
- To understand the nature, pattern, and extent of discrimination experienced by people living with HIV/AIDS across several Asian countries.
Main Methods:
- An action-based, peer-implemented study involving trained HIV-positive individuals.
- Structured questionnaires administered to 764 people living with HIV/AIDS across India, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines.
Main Results:
- The health sector is the primary area of discrimination, affecting over half of surveyed individuals.
- Many experienced discrimination, including denial of treatment and breaches of confidentiality, with coerced testing increasing subsequent discrimination.
- Women faced higher rates of discrimination within families and communities, including harassment and forced relocation.
Conclusions:
- Significant discrimination within the health sector and community impacts people living with HIV/AIDS in Asia.
- Coerced HIV testing and breaches of confidentiality exacerbate discrimination.
- Findings underscore the need for policy changes, particularly concerning pregnant women and HIV testing, to combat discrimination and ensure human rights.