Stigma against people living with external forms of HIV/Aids, including exclusion from social gatherings, physical and verbal harassment have comparatively reduced from 50 percent in 2013 to the current 24 percent, the 2019 HIV stigma index report indicates.
The study on National People Living with HIV Stigma Index was done by the National Forum of People Living with HIV/Aids Networks in Uganda (NAFOPHANU). The countrywide survey covered 1,398 respondents among people living with HIV/Aids in 21 districts in nine regions.
This is the second study following the last one done in 2013 by the same organization. Ms. Stella Katutsi, the executive director of NAFOPHANU, said although the prevalence of external stigma has reduced, its other forms have continued. She revealed that both family and non-family members continue to make discriminatory remarks and gossip about people living with HIV/Aids. “This stigma stood at 34 percent,” she added.
While launching the report on Tuesday, Ms. Nicole McHug, the head of cooperation at the Embassy of Ireland said despite reduced stigma statistics, there is a need to invest in national awareness campaigns to reduce the number of people suffering HIV/Aids-related stigma.
Dr. Zepher Karyabakabo, the director of policy research and programming at the Uganda Aids Commission, said the study findings will be pivotal in informing government policies in the drive to eliminate HIV/Aids in the country by 2030.
