Half of HIV sufferers face discrimination from friends

Almost half of all people with HIV are discriminated against by friends, it emerged today.

A new study revealed more than a quarter of patients with the infection also face prejudice from their family.

The first national report on HIV-related stigma and discrimination found that, while there was sympathy and understanding from the general public, some 54% took a negative outlook on people living with the condition.

But it also showed that 84% of sufferers felt they were stigmatised against by society.

Latest figures show 4,781 were living in the Republic of Ireland with HIV at the end of 2007. A further 957 AIDS cases were reported during the year, of which 405 had died.

Ciaran McKinney, of the Stamp Out Stigma campaign, said greater understanding of the contagious disease is the key to reducing stigma.

“The studies found that people living with HIV (PLHIV) experienced significant levels of stigma and discrimination across a wide range of areas: in families, among friends, in the workplace and in accessing health and social care services,” Mr McKinney said.

“Critically, that stigma also acts as a deterrent to people coming forward for HIV testing, and is a key barrier to tackling HIV in Ireland.”

The Stamp Out Stigma campaign detailed the outcomes of three separate studies which explored the extent and nature of discrimination towards people with the disease.

Junior Minister Peter Power, who launched the report to mark World AIDS Day on December 1, said it was a unique initiative that has made significant progress towards the creation of a society in which HIV is better understood.

“I am saddened by the extent of stigma and discrimination still experienced by HIV Positive people,” added Mr Power.

“To discriminate against people on the basis of their HIV status is an affront to human rights and compromises our efforts, both nationally and globally, to halt the spread of the epidemic.”

A free public debate on living with HIV will be held in Dublin on Monday.

Hosted by Open heart House, in support of The National Stamp Out Stigma Campaign, it will be staged in the Panti Bar on Capel Street from 6.30pm.

Irish Aid, the Department of Health and Children, people living with HIV (PLHIV) and national and international NGOs focused on HIV and sexual health produced the report.