Social stigmatization towards people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA), at family, community and workplace, the case of Pakistani Society

Abstract

This research article aims to demonstrate the impacts of social stigmatization on People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) in the context of Pakistani Society. The study has been conducted through secondary data analysis method under the qualitative research paradigm. The method is appropriate due to sensitive nature of the issue in the social setup of the study universe. The available data in articles and reports inferred valuable outcomes as proceeds. The data revealed that, the spread of HIV/AIDs in Pakistan is pandemic with an estimated number of 270,000 PLHAs with a prevalence of 0.4 percent. However, it has been found by researchers that the given number is underreported due to lack of proper checkup and social stigma attached with the disease. The main groups identified active in the spread of disease are commercial sex industry, intravenous drug users (IVDUs), blood transfusion, heavy drivers, deported Pakistani workers and other foreign visitors. Nonetheless, Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART or ARV), a suppressive therapy is provided by government of Pakistan free of charge but the efficient control of epidemic is restricted by lack of awareness and cultural stereotypes. Similarly, the patient is considered polluted and a dissimilar being. This labeling is started at family or peer group level which is later on blindly followed by the rest of the society in school, college, workplace, and healthcare. PLHA have therefore, fewer opportunities for cure, dignified life and development. Similarly, branded actions against PLHA create the feeling of shame, guilt, stress, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and in some cases results in suicide. On the other hand it has been suggested that psycho social (support) from family and society has positive outcomes for PLHAs. Government and Civil Society needs to initiate mass awareness programs, seminars, and mass media programs regarding HIV/AIDS, its causes, preventive measures and the control mechanism. In addition to the already amassed literature from medical aspect, the social aspect of the disease needs a special attention of researchers in the context of developing countries like Pakistan.