| dc.description.abstract | Understanding the impact of Human Immunodeficiency Vinrs (HIV) stigma on access to care and treatment services is fundamental in responding to HIV and Acquired Immune deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) pandemic. Attitudes towards people living with the virus remain a major challenge to the medical fraternity and policy makers. People living with HIV experience discrimination, which prevents them and others from declaring their status. Stigma and discrimination are major barriers to HIV testing, treatment and management. There is scanty information on Somalis living with HIV in Eastleigh. Most HIV and AIDS interventions focus on the individual without looking at socio-economic factors that influence behaviour.
The HIV and AIDS pandemic require a multi-faceted approach that will address specific needs and realities including stigma and discrimination. While many studies have focused on HIV stigma in general, there is a gap in studies that explore the link between stigma and access to care. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of stigma on access to HIV and AIDS preventive, curative and management services from the perspective of those living with HIV in the Somali community in Eastleigh.
The study found that stigma in the Somali community is a product of social rather than individual processes. It is influenced by factors such as culture, religious teachings and ignorance on how the virus is transmitted. The study recommends literacy efforts to educate the Somalis on HIV and AIDS. It also recommends development of lEe material in Somali language specifically addressing the issue of stigma as well as risks of HIV infection. Additionally, Imams should be encouraged to include HIV and AIDS content in their work. | en_US |
