Kaadan A; International Conference on AIDS (15th : 2004 : Bangkok, Thailand).
Int Conf AIDS. 2004 Jul 11-16; 15: abstract no. D10757.
Aleppo University, Aleppo, Syrian Arab Republic
Issues: According to UNAIDS there are an estimated 300 000 people living with HIV in North Africa and the Middle East. Some Muslim people still think that HIV and AIDS are not issues for the community. Although AIDS has traditionally been surrounded by stigma worldwide, it is clear that this stigma for many reasons is more profound in Islamic countries. This stigma is expressed in a variety of ways, including: ostracism, rejection, discrimination and even violence against persons who are perceived to have AIDS or to be infected with HIV. The aim of this paper is to present details of stigma development in some Muslim societies, and a proposal of how could we release an enlightening campaign aiming to erase or fight stigma associated with AIDS. Description: The paper provides an analysis of the processes by which stigma has emerged and become associated with AIDS. It also explores the process by which these associations could be loosened, identifying distinctive features of stigma that may guide intervention programs; and evaluating changes in the magnitude and character of stigma in response to interventions and social changes. This will facilitate our campaign aiming to erase or fight stigma associated with AIDS. We have to recognize that in Muslim communities, any anti stigma campaign to be succeeded should be based on some Islamic concepts, which related to the issue. So, the religious men should be involved in any anti stigma campaign especially in the educational programs. Lessons learned: Stigma towards people with AIDS in Muslim countries have a detrimental effect on their ability to obtain services, their recovery, the type of treatment and support they receive, and their acceptance in the community. Recommendations: Although, research on AIDS stigma has grown dramatically over the past two decades in the west, the purpose of this paper is to stimulate more research on anti-AIDS stigma initiatives in Muslim countries.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Africa, Northern
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Humans
- Islam
- Male
- Middle East
Other ID:
UI: 102277832
From Meeting Abstracts