A Report from Panos: Stigma, HIV/AIDS and Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission

PANOS
2002-01-29

"If a pregnant woman is sick and has a sick, premature baby who dies before three months, then we know she is affected [infected with HIV] and turn away from her. This is our [HIV] test!" (Man, rural Zambia)

The following appears with permission from PANOS. The project below was funded by UNICEF.

For some time now, stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS has been a major stumbling block in addressing all aspects of HIV prevention, treatment and care across the globe. In early 2001, Panos began research into the causes, extent and impact of stigma both in the users and providers of health services, specifically focusing on the advice and healthcare given to pregnant women.

The research, carried out in Burkina Faso, India, Ukraine and Zambia, indicates that although the level and types of stigma differ depending on rural and urban settings, and the stage of the epidemic each country is at, it is women who face the highest level of stigma and discrimination.

Based on interviews and discussions groups, the report shows the level of stigma and discrimination faced, and gives recommendations from the participants for actions to reduce both stigma itself and its impact.

This report is now available online-only at Panos' website.