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American Public Health Association
133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition
December 10-14, 2005
Philadelphia, PA
APHA 2005
 
4138.0: Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 1:05 PM

Abstract #109643

Overcoming barriers to HIV/AIDS stigma and discrimination among women in Kenya

Wambui Grace Gathirua1, Mwangi James Murage1, and Regina Wanjiru Gathirua2. (1) Public Health, Indiana University Purdue University of Indianapolis, 1050 Wishard Boulevard, Indianapolis, IN 46202, 317-255-4812, ggathiru@iupui.edu, (2) Kenya Network of Women Living with AIDS (KENWA), P.O Box 129, Kerugoya, 10300, Kenya

This study was performed under the aegis of The Kenya Network of Women Living with HIV/AIDS within four impoverished areas in Nairobi. The impact of HIV/AIDS on women is profound and acute. Stigma and discrimination (SD) associated with HIV and AIDS are the greatest barriers to preventing new infections, providing adequate care, support and treatment and alleviating impact. This paper reviews the causes of stigma, the socio-economic, psychological, and medical aspects of stigmatization and discrimination experienced by women living with HIV/AIDS in Kenya and effective strategies to overcome SD. HIV/AIDS-related SD are triggered by many forces: lack of understanding of the disease, myths about HIV transmission, lack of treatment, irresponsible media reporting on the epidemic, social fears about sexuality, and fears relating to illness and death. In Kenya, and in many developing nations, HIV/AIDS infected women encounter economic, cultural and social obstacles through SD: loss of employment or income, community and family isolation, denial of treatment, depression and self-stigmatization. Cultural and traditional beliefs perpetuate and create an enabling environment for sustainability of SD. The disparaging conclusion is that women living with HIV/AIDS find themselves in solitude. They cannot utilize available resources for fear of falling victims of harsh stigma and discrimination. The fight against SD calls for comprehensive strategies that entail continuing advocacy, empowerment, community mobilization, life skills education, legal protection and upholding human rights. Whatever its form, HIV/AIDS stigma and discrimination inflicts suffering and interferes with attempts to fight the AIDS epidemic. Fight AIDS and not people with AIDS.

Learning Objectives:

  • At the conclusion of this session, the participant (learner) will be able to

    Keywords: HIV Interventions, Women and HIV/AIDS

    Presenting author's disclosure statement:

    I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

    [ Recorded presentation ] Recorded presentation

    HIV/AIDS: Increasing Personal Knowledge of One's Status

    The 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition (December 10-14, 2005) of APHA