HIV stigma, discrimination threatens treatment access
The Assistant Minister for State President, Boitumelo Gofhamodimo, has urged Batswana to be concerned about HIV stigma and discrimination because it threatens the accessibility and utilisation or preventative, diagnostic and treatment services. Speaking at the People Living
With HIV Stigma Study 2022 launch recently, Gofhamodimo explained that NAHPA, in collaboration with different stakeholders, were commissioned to provide an understanding of the extent and diversity of stigma and discrimination faced by people living with HIV in Botswana. She said the study was conducted in 2022 while the report was produced in December 2023.
It sought to measure the level of internalised stigma, external stigma and discrimination against PLWHIV in their diverse communities; determine the impact of HIV-related stigma on disclosure, treatment and care services for PLWHIV; determine the actions taken by PLWHIV to mitigate the impact of the stigma; assess and document the experience of PLWHIV regarding stigma and discrimination and compare the manifestation of stigma and discrimination in Botswana and other countries in the region have conducted the same stigma index.
“The findings of the study report will not only indicate where we stand as a country in terms of HIV-related stigma and discrimination but will also offer invaluable insights into challenges PLWHIV in our nation.
The findings will also serve as a stark reminder of the pressing need to confront stigma and discrimination which persistently impede any effort to achieve comprehensive and effective HIV prevention, treatment and care service.
We reaffirm our commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their HIV status or background, to reflect on the progress made and the work that still lies ahead,” she said.
Furthermore, she pointed out that Botswana has made tremendous progress towards reducing HIV and discrimination over decades of the AIDS response.
She said Batswana transformed from a society that used to associate HIV with sin, or witchcraft, infidelity, misfortune or death to a society that largely embraces and supports those living with HIV.
Gofhamodimo added that development would have not been possible without efforts made by PLWHIV who tirelessly advocate for a mindset change in the way they view and relate with the infected and the affected.
She further said she was confident that the recommendations outlined in the report would guide in sustaining the good progress made against stigma and discrimination, as well as aid the development of targeted interventions and policies that address the gap. The Assistant Minister added that by working together they could create a more inclusive and supportive environment for PLWHIV and ensure that they receive the care, respect and support they deserve.
For her part, UNAIDS executive director, Christine Stegling, said Botswana must pride itself in its collaborative multi-sectoral approach to the HIV AIDS response adding that the political will could not go unnoticed with the government financing twothirds of the response.
She added that while the country achieved remarkable strides in addressing HIV, surpassing global goals and reaching impressing treatment rates, the fight was far from over.
She pointed out that they must not forget the new infections and the disparities that still exist. “Complacency becomes a luxury we cannot afford if our communities face the harsh realities of stigma and discrimination.
The report unveils a sobering picture of the struggles of many living with HIV. Feelings of shame and guilt remain prevalent, alongside experiences of social exclusion.
It is clear that stigma still acts as a barrier to effective prevention, testing, treatment and care. We must act decisively.
Botswana’s legal framework provides a strong foundation for the rights of PLWHIV and ensures their access to vital services. UNAIDS provided vital technical assistance to the development of a national action plan on the Global partnership to eliminate all forms of stigma and discrimination,” Stegling explained.
She also applauded Botswana for surpassing the UNAIDS targets putting the country at 95-98-98 making it the first high-burden country to have received the silver tier in the elimination of vertical transmission and the historic judgment of decriminalising same sex relationships.
She also said it was time to apply lessons in finding the missing 5-2-2 and introspect, identify real gaps and close them as they walk their path to ending AIDS by 2030.
Stegling stated that communities were essential to break the stigma and discrimination-related barriers, the answers to ending stigma and discrimination lie with communities and that qualifies why they needed to invest in community-led responses.
She also said in addition to existing community approaches such as the Community Acting Together to Control HIV (CATCH).
She also said communities experiencing stigma and discrimination must be empowered to own and lead interventions if they were able to realise elimination of all forms of stigma and discrimination.