“The South African Stigma Index shows that HIV- and TB-related stigma remains a multifaceted problem and, because it is so diverse, one in three people living with HIV experienced some form of discrimination or stigma in their encounters with the outside world during the last year,” SANAC CEO Dr Fareed Abdullah said.
“Equally concerning is the fact that 43% of participants said that they suffered ‘internalised stigma’, a sense of shame and inferiority that often results in the affected individual withdrawing from society and refusing opportunities to live a full life and achieve his or her potential. It is particularly worrying that 11% of those interviewed said they had experienced suicidal feelings.”
Ms Sindisiwe Blose, Project Leader for the Stigma Index, highlighted the fact that even a single act of discrimination could alter the entire course of an individual’s life. “During our research, we heard from PLHIV who had refused marriage due to stigma, had avoided work promotion, or had been coerced into undergoing sterilisation. Behind the figures, lies a depth of suffering that struggles to be addressed.”
Deputy Minister Phaahla announced the following package of interventions to be undertaken by SANAC in partnership with development agencies and civil society organisations:
• A national legal assistance programme for individuals who are discriminated against on the basis of having HIV or TB.
This service will be offered by Legal Aid South Africa through its nationwide system of Justice Centres. Legal Aid already provides legal representation to low income and vulnerable sections of our population and the HIV/TB stigma project is an extension of this role. Paralegals and civil litigation specialists at Justice Centres will receive special training to respond to HIV/TB-related discrimination. Other partners in this project are Section27, Webber Wentzel attorneys and the International Labour Organization. The service can also be accessed through the toll-free Legal Aid helpline: 0800 110 110.
• A project on stigma reduction, run initially as a pilot in OR Tambo District of the Eastern Cape with the intention of expanding it nationally at a later stage.
The project employs a model known as Positive Health, Dignity and Prevention (PHDP), which focuses on improving the quality and length of life of PLHIV and through this impacting positively on their partners, families and communities. This element of the programme has been supported by GIZ, the German agency for international development.
• A national communication campaign designed to challenge stigmatising attitudes, build understanding of PLHIV and market the Legal Aid SA service.
Eight PLHIV have come forward to tell their stories in various advertising formats. They deal with different facets of stigma, including internalised stigma. This aspect of the programme has been supported by the UK Department for Foreign and International Development.
“The theme that runs through all aspects of the programme is empowerment of PLHIV,” said SANAC’s Dr Abdullah. “This may take the form of practical legal tools to challenge human rights abuses or it may take the form of psychosocial support or building a more sympathetic social climate. The Stigma Index has told us very clearly that we need to put PLHIV and the way they feel about their situation right at the centre of our joint efforts to defeat stigma.”