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WORLD AIDS DAY - 1 DECEMBER 2002
AIDS AWARENESS WEEK (NOV 24 - DEC 1)
Smashed windows and graffiti, taunts and rejection. Not
the manifestation one wants to deal with when living with a life threatening
disease. But for some Australian’s living with HIV/AIDS this is
the reality. Even after 20 years of education and awareness raising campaigns,
stigma and discrimination still occurs.
World AIDS Day and AIDS Awareness Week 2002 is an international
health promotion campaign initiated by the Joint United Nations Program
on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). World AIDS Day and AIDS Awareness Week aim to raise
awareness of HIV/AIDS throughout the world – and in Australia, events
will be held in major cities and rural areas across the country.
This year, the campaign theme is “HIV/AIDS doesn't discriminate.
People do.” which aims to encourage Australians not to
discriminate against those living with HIV or AIDS, but to offer support
and understanding to those infected or affected by the virus.
In Australia, the HIV/AIDS epidemic has been mostly contained through
early intervention and innovative education and prevention programs, however,
there is a need for continued vigilance. After 20 years of the epidemic,
there is a fear that people may have become complacent, less receptive
to the constant message of safe sex and safe injecting. The fact remains
that Australia has lost approx. 6,000 individuals to the virus.
Although most people maintain safe sex practices, research shows that
changes are occurring in sexual and social behaviour. New cases of HIV
infection still occur in Australia.
Much success has been achieved with new treatments for HIV/AIDS in the
past six years, with many people achieving renewed health and living active
and productive lives. However for some, there is evidence of difficulties
with drug side-effects, toxicity and drug resistance. As more people with
HIV are living longer, the need for care and support services has increased,
and for some, their needs become more complex.
HIV related stigma and discrimination are major obstacles to effective
HIV/AIDS prevention and care and can be contributed to by fear, lack of
knowledge and understanding, myths, prejudice, irresponsible media reporting,
beliefs regarding sexuality, attitudes to illicit drug injecting and irrationality
towards death and dying.
Fear of discrimination may prevent people from being tested for HIV,
seeking treatment, or from acknowledging their HIV status.
People with, or suspected of having, HIV may be turned away from health
care services, denied housing and employment, shunned by friends or colleagues,
turned down for insurance coverage or refused entry into foreign countries.
In some cases, they may be evicted from home by their families, rejected
by their partners, or subjected to physical violence or emotional abuse.
The stigma attached to HIV/AIDS may extend to partners, family and friends.
The HIV Futures 3* Report recently summarised discrimination reported
by people living with HIV or AIDS;-
- 11.1% experienced less favourable treatment in relation to accommodation.
- 37.7% experienced less favourable treatment in relation to health
services.
- 22.1% experienced less favourable treatment in relation to insurance
services.
Issues of discrimination remain central to the lives of many people who
are HIV positive, whether as experiences, or as an anticipated and dreaded
possibility. Discrimination still exists, and poverty, employment and
housing remain significant issues for many.
- Only by confronting stigma and discrimination will the fight against
HIV/AIDS be won.
- It is important to remember that you can live, work, and socialise
with someone who has HIV or AIDS without being at risk.
- Support, acceptance and friendliness toward those living with HIV
or AIDS can mean a tremendous amount. Families or partners of people
with HIV or AIDS also appreciate support and understanding.
- Ensure that schools and colleges include HIV/AIDS education and discrimination
in their curriculum and that they have policies and procedures in place
for dealing with discrimination.
- A workplace policy on HIV/AIDS is a powerful instrument with which
to combat discrimination and encourage solidarity through education
and awareness-raising.
- Ensure that HIV/AIDS information, including counseling skills, are
included in the training of community leaders.
Globally, in 2001 there were more than five million new infections, and
a total of over 40 million people now HIV positive. This requires a global
response, not just from governments and world leaders, but also from individuals.
In July 2002, at the XIV International Conference in Barcelona, Spain,
it was reported that dozens of countries were in the grip of serious HIV/AIDS
epidemics, and many more are on the brink. Some of these countries are
in the Asia Pacific region. Enabling protection against HIV and providing
adequate and affordable treatment, represent two of the biggest challenges
facing humankind today. UNAIDS reported that by December 2001, AIDS had
become the most devastating disease humankind has ever faced.
Through education in schools, poster campaigns and red ribbon selling
it is hoped that a reduction in negative attitudes can be achieved.
By wearing a red ribbon, the international symbol of support for HIV/AIDS,
or by attending one of the many events being planned across the country,
individuals can show their support for those living with HIV/AIDS.
For full event information, including the viewing of the AIDS Memorial
Quilt and Candlelight Vigils throughout Australia, visit www.worldAIDSday.org.au
Also available on the website is basic HIV/AIDS information in 10 foreign
languages, and further information about Stigma and Discrimination, and
HIV & Sport.
For comment, interview requests, or photo opportunities call
Annette Bowen, HIV/AIDS Health Promotions Officer at Healthy Cities Illawarra
on 42265000
Statistical Sources:
UNAIDS.
National Centre in HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research.
* HIV Futures 3: Positive Australians on Services, Health and Well-being,
Australian Research Centre in Sex Health and Society. May 2002 ISBN 1920697098 |
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