The ManicaPost
Catherine Murombedzi
I UNDERSTAND why many people do not talk about their HIV status. They are afraid of the reactions that follow.
| People even in relationships keep their status a secret if they are HIV positive. The secrecy to some people’s status causes the spreading of new infections. |
Stigma breeds prejudice and discrimination leading to negative attitudes, abuse and maltreatment directed at people living with HIV and Aids. Fighting the epidemic on the whole becomes a challenge when stigma forces people into retreat.
Seeking treatment for PLHIV then becomes difficult as medication has to be taken daily and one has to make visits to the clinic. Family members are bound to ask why one is always frequenting the clinic and can even ask to accompany the person during the next visit.
Acceptance is the first step when one tests HIV positive. However, it is not as easy as it sounds. A person asks why, how and where. At times the blame game rears its ugly head. When HIV is not treated urgently it deteriorates to Aids and this can’t be allowed to happen in this day when medication to suppress the virus is available. Aids can be life-threatening and therefore people need to react quickly and correctly. When things go wrong, it is human nature to try and understand why and the easiest route is to take the blame avenue. Tonderai Chiduku, the national stigma index co-ordinator, said HIV was associated with behaviours such as promiscuity, drug addiction and homosexuality which already are highly stigmatised in the society.
“Most people become infected with HIV through sex which is a taboo topic in our society. HIV is thought to be a result of irresponsible behaviour. Some religious beliefs make some people view HIV as a result of moral fault that deserves to be punished,” said Chiduku.
“With such myths and misconceptions, it becomes very difficult for one to open up on their HIV status even in a relationship. In such circumstances a spouse may keep their HIV status a secret and taking medication becomes difficult and adherence is compromised,” said the soft spoken Chiduku.
“The reason why acceptance is difficult is because the infected person blames somebody else for the infection.
“Some people fail to take responsibility for their actions and when this happens they blame someone else. There are people who even as children would not take the blame for a wrong action. They grow to blame someone for their condition. If we are talking of minors, then yes, we can blame the abuser, but talking of two consenting adults who fail to take responsibility for their actions is a different issue,” said Chiduku. When people blame others for being infected with HIV, it is often a combination of reasons. Fear being high on the list that they are no longer in control of their health, difficulty in accepting the diagnosis and failure to take responsibility for their own sexual behaviour that could have led to the infection.
To those still HIV negative, the question is how do I take responsibility for outcomes in life? Always take responsibility for your actions. If there is something you have done wrong accept and learn from that mistake.
“Consider being responsible for your actions in general. People have to take responsibility for their actions,” said Chiduku. If there was a way to rectify a mistake by going back, accept that move and rectify because it is never too late.
Even for positive living, taking responsibility is the panacea and best medication as all other things then fall into place.
As we commemorate World Aids Day on December 1 this year, let everyday be World Aids Day that you take responsibility for your actions.
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