By Mercy Dalizu
In Kisumu County, as reported by the National Syndematic Control Council (NSDCC), HIV prevalence is significantly higher, particularly in slum areas of Nyalenda, Manyatta and Obunga. These urban settlements with limited resources pose a major challenge to HIV prevention efforts. The scarcity of resources worsens the spread of HIV and creates an environment where people living with the virus face lots of social stigma.
For individuals living with HIV in slums, stigma spreads through all aspects, affecting aspects such as delays in treatment initiation and reduced attention to care. Social rejection, discrimination and even experiences of physical violence contribute to the psychological burden faced by infected people and may inhibit adherence to treatment regimens.
The emotional well-being and mental health of slum habitants living with HIV is severely affected by the stigma and discrimination they endure. The lack of knowledge and information about HIV in these communities fosters misinformation and perpetuates the spread of myths surrounding the virus. As a result, infected people internalize stigma and develop a negative self-image, increasing their fear of discrimination and negative judgment when they disclose their HIV status.
Compounding the problem is the lack of widespread knowledge about sex education among slum dwellers, resulting in widespread misconceptions about HIV/AIDS. These misconceptions, which are rooted in misinformation, foster fear and discrimination against people living with the virus, further reinforcing social stigma.
Confidentiality of one’s HIV status is also an important aspect of medical information, but slum dwellers often face difficulties in maintaining this key information. This lack of privacy is a barrier for individuals seeking to understand their HIV status and seek medical care, as the fear of their health status being known to others looms large.
A multifaceted approach is essential to mitigate social prejudice in slums. Establishing a community of supporters committed to combating stigma and discrimination through education and HIV testing is a crucial step: by educating all slum residents about HIV transmission, prevention and treatment, accurate information can counteract the misinformation that fuels stigma and counteracted.
In conclusion, addressing stigma in the slums of Kisumu County requires a collaborative effort involving all stakeholders. Training programs for health promoters, youth advocates and local administrators on HIV management can play a pivotal role in dismantling stigma. Armed with knowledge, these individuals can effectively communicate accurate information to slum residents and foster informed and caring communities committed to breaking the cycle of social stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS.
Mercy Dalizu, NAYA, SAIC II
