One third of Irish uncomfortable working with HIV sufferer

Almost a third of Irish adults would be uncomfortable working with someone who is HIV positive or has Aids, new research revealed today.

The study showed more than 40% would also be uncomfortable living with someone with the disease.

The World Vision report found stigma and discrimination around HIV/Aids was highest in the 65+ age category, males and rural areas.

The 35-44 year old age group was more likely to be comfortable working and living with a person with the condition.

"There is still a high level of stigma and misinformation among Irish people about the disease," said World Vision's Helen Keogh.

"We know that education about the disease is the key to halting its spread and this is as important a message here in Ireland as it is in Africa.

"It is ironic that, given the level of stigma that the survey revealed, 59% of the respondents agreed that education about how the disease is contracted is the key to combating the stigma and discrimination around the disease."

Millward Brown IMS questioned 1,000 Irish adults in October for the study to highlight World Aids Day on December 1.

Up to 5,000 adults in Ireland are believed to have HIV or Aids, with 33 million people living with the disease worldwide.

Ms Keogh said 30,000 children worldwide will be orphaned or made vulnerable because of the condition over the next five days alone.

"When a parent either dies or is ill because of Aids their children become even more vulnerable to increased poverty, loss of education opportunities, child labour and HIV infection," she added.

"Children become the caregivers and providers, leaving their childhood and education behind.

"Because of its association with behaviours that may be considered socially unacceptable by many people, HIV infection is widely stigmatised.

"Together, stigma and discrimination constitute one of the greatest barriers to dealing effectively with the epidemic, discouraging governments from acknowledging or taking action against Aids and deterring individuals from finding out about their HIV status."