I happen to be working in a certain hospital in an area with high prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Kenya.
There is too much stigmatisation in ways that you might not understand as an individual.
The most affected people are the youths since most are in denial.
Here are some ways you are stigmatising people living with HIV/AIDS without knowing:
1. Asking them what drugs they are taking
As much as it might seem like a normal question to ask, but you might not know the fear and anger you are impacting in a person. Avoid such questions.
2. Washing their clothes separate from others
This applies mostly to the children since they need their clothes washed by adults.
The child might be wondering why his or her clothes or utensils are separate from other children.
3. When you keep on treating them in a special way or as sick people
As much as you might think that you are impressing or caring for them, this might not be the case to them.
It is a way of making them feel they are different from others.
Treat people the same as others since it is not a death sentence.
4. When you keep asking them how they are feeling, checking their body for infection or fear to handle them when they have an open wound.
As much as we are preventing infection through body fluids, overreacting to such a situation will affect them negatively.
It is good to be concerned due to compromised immunity, but it is advisable to do it professionally.
5. Asking them about their future/childbearing and many other issues concerning their own family
Unless they want to talk about it, it is advisable you keep off such conversations.
Talk about something else that does not affect the people.
Stop stigmatisation, we are all one people.
#hivisasaoriginal