Are we doing all we can to eliminate the stigma and discrimination in the healthcare of People living with HIV (PLHIV)?

A survey of Jamaican PLHIV in 2019 showed that stigma and discrimination, whether anticipated, internalised or experienced, are present in many aspects of life. High levels of HIV stigma and discrimination were reported among key population groups in addition to that based on their status. Over one-third reported experiencing stigma and discrimination in the previous twelve months. When seeking HIV care, 10% reported experiencing stigma and discrimination. When seeking non-HIV related care, that figure rose to 26% if they disclosed their HIV status. (The People Living with HIV Stigma Index: Jamaica. March 2020)

Dr. Camiel Welling of GGD Amsterdam’s presentation on inclusive healthcare emphasized the importance of healthcare providers recognizing the differences between their patients’ needs and those of the communities they serve.  We were introduced to the academic wheel of privilege, a self-awareness tool that explores how different people might benefit from or be marginalised by societal systems. This should then remind us that the needs of the communities often differ from our own and must be recognised.