AIDS patients deserve better

The estimated number of people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in Bangladesh is around 13,000. Of them, 6,455 have reportedly been identified through public-private level tests. However, there are many who do not even know that they have contracted the virus. Those who are out of detection are not getting any treatment. What is more worrying is that they may have been spreading the virus to others.

Stigma among those living with HIV or AIDS is not uncommon. A study found that 68 per cent of such patients felt ashamed and 54 per cent felt guilty due to their HIV-positive status. Shame and guilt hinder their participation in social activities and lead to withdrawal from their communities. More worryingly, it can prevent them from going to hospital for treatment. Equally worrying is the treatment from healthcare workers. AIDS patients are further discouraged from seeking treatment because of discrimination they face at hospitals and clinics. In another study which surveyed physicians, nurses, medical technicians and support staff shows that 47.9 per cent of healthcare workers felt that those who have HIV/AIDS should not be allowed to mix freely with other people.

A total of 12 government hospitals, including seven medical colleges, are providing various facilities including HIV diagnosis, treatment and free distribution of medicines to HIV positive people. If we want to make Bangladesh AIDS-free, we have to change our attitude towards these patients and be sympathetic to them.

Ashikujaman Syed,

Research Assistant,

Bioinformatics Research Lab,

Center for Research Innovation and Development (CRID),

[email protected]