Publication Cover
AIDS Care
Psychological and Socio-medical Aspects of AIDS/HIV
Volume 14, 2002 - Issue 1
160
Views
51
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Original Articles

Acceptance and stigmatization of PLWA in Nigeria

, , &
Pages 117-126 | Published online: 26 Apr 2010
 

Abstract

There is now an acknowledged burden of AIDS and the HIV in Nigeria. In treatment centres, AIDS-related disorders account for up to 40% of admissions, while many communities have recorded regular losses within the last five years. In December 1999, the federal government announced that 2.9 million people (or 5.4% of the Nigerian population) were already infected by HIV. An important aspect of HIV/AIDS programmes is the care of persons living with AIDS (PLWA), both in curative centres and in communities. Based on operations research of a STD/AIDS Management Project, this paper examines acceptance of PLWA in communities in Southern Benue State, an area of high prevalence. From interviews with PLWA, their family members and others in the communities, it was found that the level of stigmatization is high and acceptance of PLWA is low. These reactions stem mainly from the fear of contracting 'the disease that has no cure', believed to be transmittable through any form of physical contact. Based on beliefs, which are further reinforced by the local terms for AIDS, some suggested that PLWA be eliminated before they infect others. These findings suggest that the challenges of AIDS control programmes include coming to terms with the epidemic and fostering more acceptance for PLWA and, above all, changing the current perception of HIV/AIDS from a personal to public health problem. The challenges are daunting but urgent, particularly because Nigeria's HIV/AIDS epidemic is reaching an explosion phase and more care will be provided at home.

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.