People living with HIV/AIDS face stigma and discrimination in the countries of Asia including Bangladesh. The Covid-19 crisis has exacerbated the challenges faced by people living with HIV. The pandemic comes as a double blow to them as all the health officials are busy with the management of Covid-19 patients.
Social stigma is one of the major factors that stop people from getting an HIV test. It needs no emphasising that over the years, scientific advances have been made in HIV treatment. On top of that, there are laws and regulations globally to protect people living with HIV. But what is disheartening is that hitherto there are stigmas associated with AIDS which poses grave impacts on those living with the virus. It is difficult for us to accept HIV positive status, but testing can help us take necessary steps to protect our health as well as lower the risk of transmitting the virus.
Covid-19 crisis has exacerbated the challenges faced by
people living with HIV as all the health officials are
busy with the management of Covid-19 patients
As the risks of AIDS are still prevailing in Asia including Bangladesh, there is a need for maintaining the conventional, religious, social and family discipline to control or prevent the deadly disease. In this regard, authorities concerned including NGOs and development agencies should deploy more campaigning projects in order to increase awareness among the people so that they can break the social stigmas and change their perception towards the disease.
Bangladesh is committed to bringing down the rate of HIV to zero percent by the year 2030. We hope, Bangladesh can be free from HIV through increasing awareness, ensuring proper treatment and stopping drug abuse. Last but not least, in order to win the battle against HIV, there is a need for more financial support for further research and education.