Fear of stigmatisation is one big reason why most people do not go for HIV testing. Stigma remains a significant challenge, with many individuals reluctant to be tested for HIV due to concerns about negative reactions from family, friends, employers, and community members.
More than half of people living with HIV have delayed starting treatment because they fear their family members will discover their status. Many people living with the virus have postponed starting treatment due to concerns about disclosing their status, while others feel unprepared to cope with a diagnosis. In addition, a significant number fear interactions with health care workers or decide to miss appointments or stop treatment altogether.
Stigma continues to be a major barrier, with a large percentage of individuals hesitant to be tested for fear of social consequences. Although many undergo voluntary testing, some are tested without their knowledge or consent.
Within families, low levels of disclosure remain evident. Many individuals have not informed their spouses or children about their HIV status. Additionally, a significant proportion of people report that their partners are also HIV-positive, while others suggest a high level of undetected discordance.
Women experience higher rates of discrimination than men, with many reporting verbal harassment, exclusion from family activities, and being left out of social gatherings. Internalised stigma remains a significant problem, as many people living with HIV find it difficult to disclose their status. Some feel ashamed, worthless, or experience self-stigma, which takes an emotional toll on their well-being. Many struggle with finding love, coping with stress, forming close relationships, and isolating themselves from family and friends. Some individuals even avoid social gatherings or medical care when needed.
Despite progress, internalised stigma remains a serious issue requiring continued efforts to help people living with HIV lead dignified lives. Discriminatory comments in various contexts affect self-perception and interactions with the healthcare system. Greater efforts are needed to empower individuals to address these issues through media advocacy and lobbying for stronger protective legislation. While improvements have been made, such as reduced workplace discrimination and fewer cases of forced HIV testing, there is still a need to clarify the role of legal protections and educate communities about privacy rights.
Widespread human rights abuses remain a concern. Some individuals have had their status involuntarily disclosed by health workers without their consent, while others have experienced breaches of confidentiality in their medical records. Violations of sexual and reproductive health rights also persist, with some individuals pressured into HIV testing during pregnancy, forced to use specific contraceptive methods, or even advised to terminate pregnancies. A small percentage have been told not to have children because of their status, and some have been sterilised without their consent.
Key populations, including transgender people and men who have sex with men, experience increased stigma. Many transgender individuals report verbal harassment, extortion, and avoidance of healthcare services due to discrimination. Men who have sex with men often face rejection from family and discrimination from friends, leading some to avoid seeking healthcare or disclosing their status.
The findings highlight the need for continued efforts to combat stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV. Addressing these challenges requires strong legal protections, community education, and advocacy to ensure that all individuals have access to testing, treatment, and support without fear of discrimination or social exclusion.
