“We’re 20 years behind in attitude towards HIV” says Charity CEO as stigma experienced by those living with HIV remains a huge problem in Northern Ireland
Jacquie Richardson, the Chief Executive of Positive Life, Northern Ireland’s only dedicated charity supporting those with HIV, has claimed that attitudes towards HIV and AIDS here is 20 years behind everywhere else, contributing significantly to the continued stigma faced by those living with the lifelong condition.
The comments came on World AIDS Day as the latest figures of those diagnosed with HIV have increased for another year, bringing the total of those with HIV in Northern Ireland to around 1,130.
Of the 84 new cases of HIV which were diagnosed in Northern Ireland in 2018, 43 (51%) occurred in men who have sex with men (MSM), while 31 (37%) occurred after heterosexual transmission. Thirty (42%) new HIV diagnoses were made at a late stage.
Stigma around HIV is one of the main reasons why many do not come forward to get tested or hide their status for years from family and friends after a reactive test.
Jacquie Richardson, Chief Executive, Positive Life
Jacquie Richardson, Chief Executive of Positive Life said:
“There is a significant proportion of those living with HIV in Northern Ireland who face intolerable levels of stigma for what is now a lifelong manageable condition.”
“We are only too aware of the prejudice, negative attitudes and abuse experienced by those we support on daily basis. Unfortunately, these severe levels of discrimination are widespread with many feeling marginalised.”
“Whilst the brave decision by the likes of Welsh Rugby International Gareth Thomas to share his HIV status dominated the headlines for a while, and a significant amount of empathy towards him was visible, it does not address the continued problem of the underlying stigma that is felt. People with HIV feel that they have to hide their status and hide from society here in Northern Ireland.”
“We really do need to start to address relationship and sex education in schools in a proper way to create knowledge and understanding, way beyond the standard biological teachings and pregnancy, but about Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV in particular.”
“Until we challenge this head on, the stigma and shame of contracting HIV will remain and many living with the condition will feel like outcasts in our own society.”
She added:
“There is a massive lag in social attitudes towards HIV and AIDS and we are calling on our elected representatives and policy makers to start to shape a strategy that has real tangible outcomes or we will be in real danger of falling further behind. As a society, we have a duty of care to look after the health and wellbeing of everyone and not let anyone feel ashamed or worthless because of a particular condition.”
“In Northern Ireland we really struggle to talk openly about sex and sexual health. There is a culture of embarrassment and shame about it and it’s something we have to combat. Burying our heads in the sand simply doesn’t work.”