HIV/AIDS IS NOT OVER YET !!! WISH IT WAS !

There has been a lot of progress made in the care and treatment of people with this disease.  Although it might seem like all is well , it is not necessarily the case. Let us not forget that there is still a great number of people infected in Sub-Saharan Africa. YES medication and technology has evolved over the course of time but it does not mean HIV/AIDS has been ERADICATED OR CURED !!! .

The focus for this next era of my blog is to continue to create awareness and looking for information to shed light on those dealing with the stigma that still plagues folks that are living with this ailment.  Stay tuned! thanks

Social and cultural barriers

• Stigma and discrimination

"HIV-related stigma and discrimination remains a major barrier to tackling the HIV and AIDS epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa. Cultural beliefs about HIV and AIDS around contamination, sexuality and religion have played a crucial role in the development of HIV-related discrimination. In many places, it is thought to have actually increased the number of HIV infections by preventing people from accessing HIV services.

Moreover, studies have shown how healthcare workers negative and discriminatory views towards HIV-positive people are influenced by, and often similar, to those in the general population."

• The status of women

"Women and girls often face discrimination in terms of access to education, employment and healthcare. In this region, men often dominate sexual relationships. As a result, women cannot always practice safer sex even when they know the risks involved. Gender-based violence has been identified as a key driver of HIV transmission in the region.

Efforts are being made to improve the situation regarding women and HIV. For example, a High-Level Taskforce on Women, Girls, Gender Equality and HIV for Eastern and Southern Africa was launched at the 16th International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa. It aims to improve country actions and monitor the implementation of the draft 'Windhoek Declaration for Women, Girls, Gender Equality and HIV'. The Windhoek Declaration draft (April 2011), recommends action in a number of areas including sexual and reproductive health, violence against women and HIV, as well as the law, gender and HIV."