1. Stigma and Discrimination Associated with HIV
Module 5
Stigma and Discrimination Associated with HIV

2. Malawi PMTCT Training Package
Module Objectives
Define correctly HIV-related stigma.
Define correctly HIV-related discrimination.
Describe current international rights related to HIV.
Discuss stigma and discrimination against women in the context of HIV.
Discuss examples of how stigma is expressed in professional and social settings.
Discuss the consequences of stigma in PMTCT services.
Discuss strategies to address stigma and discrimination.
Malawi PMTCT Training Package

3. Malawi PMTCT Training Package
Unit 1
Introduction to the Concepts of Stigma and Discrimination and International Human Rights
Malawi PMTCT Training Package

4. Malawi PMTCT Training Package
Unit 1 Objectives
Define correctly HIV-related stigma.
Define correctly HIV-related discrimination.
Describe current international rights related to HIV.
Malawi PMTCT Training Package

5. Introduction to Stigma & Discrimination
HIV poses human rights challenges
HIV-related stigma is the single greatest challenge to slowing spread of the disease at global, national, and community level.
HIV-related stigma can prevent a woman from seeking ANC services and HIV testing; discourage her from disclosing her test results and agreeing to antiretroviral treatment and prophylaxis; and keep her from adopting safer infant-feeding practices.
Women may feel compelled to keep their HIV status secret.
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6. Malawi PMTCT Training Package
What is stigma?
Stigma refers to unfavourable attitudes and beliefs directed toward someone or something.
Socially marginalized people bear heaviest burden of HIV-related stigma and discrimination.
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7. What is stigma? (continued)
HIV-related stigma
Unfavourable attitudes and beliefs toward people living with HIV, those perceived to be infected, and their families, friends, social groups, and communities
Stigma is greater when risk of contracting the disease is thought to be under the individual’s control (e.g., commercial sex workers)
Malawi PMTCT Training Package

8. What is discrimination?
Discrimination is the treatment of an individual or group with partiality or prejudice.
Malawi PMTCT Training Package

9. Examples of Discrimination
HCW denies services to person with HIV
Wife and children of a man who died of AIDS ostracized by community
Individual loses his job when it is known he/she is HIV-infected
Individual has difficulty getting a job when revealed he/she is HIV-infected
Community ostracizes a woman who decides not to breastfeed because it is assumed she is HIV-infected
Malawi PMTCT Training Package

10. Stigmatization versus Discrimination
Stigmatization reflects an attitude.
Discrimination is an act or behaviour.
Discrimination is a way of expressing stigmatizing thoughts, either on purpose or by accident.
Stigmatized individuals may suffer discrimination and other human rights violations.
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11. Malawi PMTCT Training Package
Stigma, HIV, and Women
HIV epidemic spreading more rapidly among women than men.
Women more vulnerable to HIV.
Woman often first in a couple to be tested for HIV
These reasons may compel a woman either not to be tested or to keep her HIV status a secret.
Stigma and discrimination handicaps successful prevention, care, and support activities.
Malawi PMTCT Training Package

12. Human Rights & HIV-related Stigma and Discrimination
Freedom from discrimination is a fundamental human right founded on the principles of natural justice.
Discrimination against people living with HIV or people thought to be infected is a clear violation of human rights.
Malawi PMTCT Training Package

13. Human Rights & HIV-related Stigma and Discrimination Against Women
Research in India and Uganda showed that women with HIV face stigma on many levels:
As women
As people living with HIV
As the spouse of an HIV-infected person
As the widow of a person who died of AIDS
Or as a woman who is HIV-infected and pregnant.
Malawi PMTCT Training Package

14. Protect, Respect, & Fulfill Human Rights in Relation to HIV
Women and men have a right to determine the course of their sexual and reproductive lives.
Children have a right to survival, development, and health.
Women and girls have a right to information about HIV and access to a means of protecting themselves.
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15. Malawi PMTCT Training Package
Protect, Respect, & Fulfill Human Rights in Relation to HIV (continued)
Women have the right to access HIV testing and counselling and to know their HIV status.
Women have a right to choose not to be tested or choose not to be told the result of an HIV test.
Women have a right to make decisions about infant feeding and to receive support for the infant feeding method they choose.
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16. Unit 2 Social Context and the Impact of Stigma and Discrimination
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17. Malawi PMTCT Training Package
Unit 2 Objectives
Discuss examples of how stigma is expressed in professional and social settings.
Discuss the consequences of stigma in PMTCT services.
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18. Malawi PMTCT Training Package
The Face of Stigma
People living with HIV, orphans and families affected by HIV, are highly stigmatized in many countries.
Fear of stigmatization often the main reason why a person does not get tested.
Malawi PMTCT Training Package

19. How Stigma Can be Expressed
Attitudes and actions are stigmatizing
Choice of language may express stigma
Fear and lack of knowledge foster stigma
Shame and blame are associated with HIV
Stigma makes disclosure more difficult
Stigma can exist even in typically supportive or caring environments
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20. Stigma & Discrimination: Large Group Discussion
Exercise 5.2
Examples of
Stigma & Discrimination:
Large Group Discussion
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21. Examples of Stigmatization and Discrimination
In the media
Suggestions that specific groups of people with HIV are at fault whereas others are innocent
Depicting HIV/AIDS as a death sentence rather than a chronic disease that can be managed.
Using stereotypical gender roles, which may perpetuate women's vulnerability to sexual coercion and HIV infection.
Malawi PMTCT Training Package

22. Examples of Stigmatization and Discrimination (continued)
In health services
Violating patient confidentiality
Providing HIV care in stand-alone settings (such as clinics for sexually transmitted infections) that further stigmatize and segregate PLHIV
Requiring HIV test before surgery
Using infection-control procedures (such as gloves) only with patients thought to be HIV-positive, rather than with all patients
Malawi PMTCT Training Package

23. Examples of Stigmatization and Discrimination (continued)
In the workplace
Refusing to hire HIV-infected persons
Violating confidentiality
In the context of religion
Denying participation in rituals (such as funerals) for PLHIV
References to HIV as a punishment or test
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24. Examples of Stigmatization and Discrimination (continued)
In the family and local community
Discriminating against partners and children of PLHIV
Using violence against an HIV-positive spouse or partner
Denying support for bereaved family members
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25. Malawi PMTCT Training Package
Effects of Stigma
Stigma is disruptive and harmful at every stage of HIV care.
People who fear stigma and discrimination are less likely to seek HIV testing.
Persons testing HIV-positive may be afraid to seek necessary care and treatment.
PLHIV may receive suboptimal care from discriminatory HCWs.
Stigma may discourage those who are HIV-infected from discussing their HIV status with their sex partners.
Malawi PMTCT Training Package

26. Malawi PMTCT Training Package
Secondary Stigma
Secondary stigma (stigma by association)
Effects of stigma often extend beyond the infected individual to stigma by association.
Women whose husbands died of AIDS can be stigmatized by their community.
Malawi PMTCT Training Package

27. Stigma & PMTCT Services
Consequences of stigma in PMTCT services
Discourages women from accessing ANC
Prevents people from receiving HIV testing
Discourages women from discussing their HIV test results and disclosing results to partner(s)
Prevents women from accepting PMTCT interventions
Discourages women from accepting referrals to ARV Clinic
Discourages safer infant-feeding practices (replacement feeding or early cessation of breastfeeding)
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28. Malawi PMTCT Training Package
Unit 3
Dealing with Stigma & Discrimination in Healthcare Settings and Communities
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29. Malawi PMTCT Training Package
Unit 3 Objective
Discuss strategies to address stigma and discrimination.
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30. Addressing Stigma in PMTCT Services
To increase participation in PMTCT services, implement interventions that address HIV-related stigma.
These efforts should occur at all levels:
National
Community, social, and cultural
PMTCT service
Individual, HCW
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31. Malawi PMTCT Training Package
National Level
Examples of national initiatives and policies that HCWs can advocate:
Legislation that protects rights of PLHIV
Legislation that protects legal rights of women in health care, education, and employment.
Anti-discrimination policies
Scale-up treatment of HIV with antiretroviral (ARV) medication.
Quality treatment programmes for people with addictions.
Involve consumers in national advocacy and programme and policy development.
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32. National Level (continued)
Advocate for sufficient funding for PMTCT services.
Educate national leaders about the importance of PMTCT services
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33. National Level (continued)
Encourage national leaders to serve as role models in their professional and personal lives
Encourage leaders to hire staff that are HIV-infected.
Encourage leaders to praise the good work of PMTCT HCWs.
Encourage leaders to speak out against emotional, verbal, and physical abuse directed at women infected with HIV.
Remind leaders to promote funding of HIV care and treatment services.
Suggest that leaders be tested for HIV.
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34. Malawi PMTCT Training Package
Community Level
Stigmatization is a social process that must be addressed on the community level.
PMTCT service managers should collaborate with the community to address HIV-related stigma and discrimination.
Malawi PMTCT Training Package

35. HIV Education & Training
HCWs should participate in educational programmes that:
Increase knowledge about HIV
Increase awareness of issues faced by PLHIV
Increase awareness of domestic violence faced by some newly diagnosed women
Include content that violence against women or men is not acceptable
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36. HIV Education & Training (continued)
HCWs should participate in educational programmes that:
Encourage leaders to make workplaces HIV-friendly.
Promote PMTCT activities as routine part of healthcare and HIV prevention/treatment
Educate community about PMTCT interventions
Increase referrals to/from PMTCT services
Malawi PMTCT Training Package

37. Community Awareness of PMTCT Interventions
Community education and mobilization activities increase community awareness of PMTCT interventions
Greater community awareness should strengthen social support for the partner, extended family, and community.
People with social and family support cope with their HIV infection better.
Malawi PMTCT Training Package

38. Community Partnerships
PMTCT HCWs and managers should build partnerships with churches, schools, and social or civic organizations when developing PMTCT services.
Promoting PMTCT services among community organizations enhances sustainability
Faith-based organizations (FBOs) and religious communities are important partners in efforts to eliminate stigma.
Malawi PMTCT Training Package

39. Ways to Facilitate Building of Community Partnerships
Maintain awareness of community health and development activities that benefit PMTCT clients.
Understand the HCW’s role as a liaison between community and the PMTCT service.
Work to incorporate PMTCT messages and activities into existing MCH and BCI initiatives.
Participate in community meetings with influential leaders to discuss HIV and PMTCT
Malawi PMTCT Training Package

40. Involve People Living with HIV (PLHIV)
Invite PLHIV to become involved in national and local initiatives, as this will help them:
Gain and practise life skills to challenge HIV-related stigma and discrimination.
Become actively involved in national and local activities to foster positive perceptions of PLHIV.
Support establishment of organizations and networks for PLHIV.
Malawi PMTCT Training Package

41. Training Programmes for PLHIV
Develop and implement training programmes for PLHIV to:
Advocate for their rights and take an active role in their own health care.
Participate in interventions (such as PMTCT services or HIV prevention and care education) as volunteers, advisors, board members, or paid employees to demonstrate their ability to remain productive members of the community.
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42. Malawi PMTCT Training Package
PMTCT Service Level
Ensure that PMTCT services are integrated into existing health and social services
Suggestions on how to do this follow in the next few slides
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43. Integrate PMTCT Interventions into (ANC) services
Offer routine HIV testing and education to all clinic attendees, regardless of HIV risk.
Mainstream HIV services with routine ANC services helps normalize HIV.
Malawi PMTCT Training Package

44. Increase Participation of Partners
Educate partners about PMTCT interventions and stress importance of partner testing and support for PMTCT.
Examples where men were invited to visit reproductive clinics for testing, counselling and PMTCT education designed for a male audience have shown:
Improved spousal communication about PMTCT
Increased HIV testing among male partners of PMTCT patients
Increased rates of disclosure of HIV test results for both partners
Malawi PMTCT Training Package

45. Implement Educational Sessions
Group or individual education sessions can draw attention to role of partners in HIV transmission and reduce stigmatization of women.
Reach out to men in male-friendly settings, such as sports stadiums, taxi stands, and markets to increase awareness of PMTCT and encourage them to attend ANC with their pregnant partners.
Couples counselling offers opportunity to reduce blame directed at women and emphasize couple's shared responsibility for PMTCT
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46. Malawi PMTCT Training Package
Educate & Train HCWs
Success or failure of PMTCT service depends on attitudes, skills, and experience of its employees.
Train HCWs and clinic staff at all levels
Employee training should include:
Complete and accurate information about transmission of HIV and risk factors for infection
Ongoing activities that address HIV-related stigma
Malawi PMTCT Training Package

47. Understand the Perspectives of PLHIV
Training HCWs to reduce stigmatizing behaviour will address assumptions about the educational, social, economic, and class status of people living with HIV.
During training activities, strive to increase awareness of language used to describe HIV and PLHIV.
The training should include:
Exercises to encourage participants to explore personal attitudes and prejudices
Summaries of confidentiality, anti-discrimination, and infection control policies as well as consequences of policy breaches
Malawi PMTCT Training Package

48. Adhere to Infection Control & Patient Confidentiality
Provide all HCWs with the equipment and supplies needed to adhere to infection control policies
Patient confidentiality
Safeguard patient confidentiality by developing policies and procedures on:
Recording and storing patient information
Ensuring patient interactions are private
Disclosure of medical information and informed consent
Disciplining workers who breach confidentiality
Requirements for staff confidentiality training
Malawi PMTCT Training Package

49. Encourage PMTCT Staff to Serve as Role Models
Encourage PMTCT staff to treat PLHIV the same as patients assumed to be HIV-negative.
HCWs are role models, and their attitudes toward PLHIV are often imitated in the community.
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50. Know the Local Community
PMTCT staff should get to know people in the community.
This will help them identify local HIV-related stereotypes.
Staff can address stereotypes and correct misconceptions during PMTCT services.
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51. Role of PMTCT Service Managers
Ensure policies and procedures in place to protect individuals from discrimination and stigmatization
Maintain policies against discriminatory recruitment and employment practices
Support workers who are HIV-infected.
Establish policies that all patients must receive equal treatment regardless of HIV status.
Establish procedures and protocols for reporting discrimination and disciplining staff.
Malawi PMTCT Training Package

52. Role of PMTCT Service Managers (continued)
Ensure that all staff follow standard precautions:
Update facility's infection control policy
Ensure access to infection control supplies & equipment
Ensure staff members apply standard precautions
Discipline employees who knowingly breach standard precautions policy
Ensure post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) accessible to staff
Malawi PMTCT Training Package

53. People Living with HIV Panel
Exercise 5.3
People Living with HIV Panel
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54. Stigma and Discrimination: Case Study
Exercise 5.4
Stigma and Discrimination: Case Study
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55. Malawi PMTCT Training Package
Module 5: Key Points
While stigmatization reflects an attitude, discrimination is an act or behaviour.
Stigma and discrimination are interconnected. Stigmatizing thoughts can lead to discriminating behaviours.
PMTCT service staff have a responsibility to respect the rights of all women and men, regardless of their HIV status.
Discrimination against people living with HIV is illegal in Malawi
Malawi PMTCT Training Package

56. Module 5: Key Points (continued)
HIV/AIDS-related stigmatization and discrimination may discourage people living with HIV from accessing key HIV services. Stigma and discrimination may also:
Discourage disclosure of HIV status
Reduce acceptance of safer infant-feeding practices
Limit access to education, counselling, and treatment for people infected with HIV even when services are available and affordable
Malawi PMTCT Training Package

57. Module 5: Key Points (continued)
PMTCT service staff can help reduce stigma and discrimination in the healthcare setting, in the community, and on the national level.
Encourage PMTCT staff to serve as role models by treating people living with HIV as they would treat clients assumed to be HIV-negative.
It is important for HCWs and staff to explore attitudes and behaviours that could be stigmatizing and discriminatory.
Malawi PMTCT Training Package