HIV: Stigmatization remains a problem despite medical progress!

HIV: Stigmatization remains a problem despite medical progress!

In the context of an important commitment to clarifying HIV and AIDS, Manfred Schulz, who was elected mayor and head of the cultural director of Kaiserslautern in autumn 2023, has an exhibition entitled "Life with HIV - Unlike you?!" opened in the fruit hall. This exhibition aims to reduce uncertainties, prejudices and stigmatizations compared to HIV-infected. Brigitte Roth, the chairwoman of Lautrer Aids-Hilfe, and her team welcomed Schulz on their premises to bring him closer to the valuable work of the organization.

The exchange between Schulz and the employees of AIDS aid focused on their challenges and the objectives, which ranges from intensive prevention work to tests and advice for advice for those affected. Roth made it clear that HIV-infected people can live a normal life through modern drugs today and pointed out that society continues to come to a responsible and informed attitude in order to reduce prejudices. The employees, including Kristina Lauer and Michelle Weisbrich, are actively informing the West Palatinate about HIV and AIDS themes.

Current statistics and prevention work

The situation in Germany remains worrying: Between 2,500 and 3,000 new infections nationwide, with over 40 new cases being registered in Rhineland-Palatinate last year. Despite the access to free and anonymous tests that have been offered through the AIDS aid Kaiserslautern since 2020, a large part of the population feels poorly informed about HIV and AIDS.

social challenges

A study by the German Aidshilfe and the Institute for Democracy and Civil Society has illuminated the reality of life of HIV-positive people. The survey shows that 90% of the participants can live well with their infection, while 75% feel very limited in terms of health. Nevertheless, an overwhelming majority of discrimination experiences report, which occur primarily in the healthcare sector. Here 56% of the respondents stated that they had negative experiences, while 16% of dental treatments were refused.

The results illustrate that social circumstances, not the disease itself, have a strong influence on the quality of life of HIV-positive people. A large number feels restricted in their everyday life, which often leads to a secret about the HIV status. Over 70% find it difficult to tell others about their infection. These findings put pressure on AIDS aid and its partners to continue to fight for education and social acceptance, as they are discussed in detail in the report on the study.

The feedback from the population shows that despite medical progress, discrimination and stigmatization of HIV-infected is still an urgent problem that must be addressed urgently. These findings are of particular importance in order to focus on the upcoming initiatives and series of events.

AIDS aid and committed actors in Kaiserslautern continue to work to reduce prejudices and create an environment that is characterized by knowledge, understanding and solidarity. More information about your work and upcoming events are on the websites of Aidshilfe Rheinland-pfalz and the German Aidshilfe to be found.