The Impact of Universal Access to Antiretroviral Therapy on HIV Stigma in Botswana

Abstract

Our findings suggest that antiretroviral therapy access may be a factor in reducing HIV stigma. Nevertheless, the persistence of stigmatizing attitudes and significant anticipated stigma suggest that HIV stigma must be a target for ongoing intervention.

Portraying mental illness and drug addiction as treatable health conditions: Effects of a randomized experiment on stigma and discrimination

“…In contrast, portrayals of persons who undergo successful treatment for their condition may elicit more positive public attitudes. Research on other stigmatized health conditions, such as HIV (Abadia- Barrero and Castro, 2006;Wolfe et al, 2008) suggests that increased public recognition of these conditions as treatable has led to reduced stigma and discrimination toward those affected.…”

What contribution have human rights approaches made to reducing AIDS-related vulnerability in sub-Saharan Africa? Exploring the case study of access to antiretrovirals

“…While broader access to ARV cannot in itself resolve pervasive AIDS-related stigma, studies suggest it can contribute to its reduction (28). Human rights also empower their users to make claims for health benefits backed with the force of law, thereby averting the 'civil death' implied by the neglect of basic HIV/AIDS related health care needs (29).…”

Technologies of Treatment: Scaling up ART in the Western Cape, South Africa

“…Expanded treatment also reduces the pandemic's psychosocial, economic and political effects -especially significant for high-prevalence epidemics in subsaharan Africa. By turning HIV from a fatal condition into a manageable, if difficult, chronic illness, ART reduces stigma (Wolfe et al, 2008) and enables disclosure (Skogmar et al, 2006) and this in turn encourages testing, and others' early, successful treatment (Chesney and Smith, 1999). ART means less strain on health services, more people working, more parents looking after children, fewer orphans.…”