THMIS of 2007/2008 iliyotupa prevalence rate ya HIV and AIDS to be 5.8 revealed the knowledge of AIDS is almost universal in Tanzania- 98% of women 99% of men have heard of AIDS and that 81% of women and 86% of men know where to get an HIV test. the same report revealed the following indicators from the respondents covered with the study;
a. 93% (females) and 94% (males) are willing to care for a family member with AIDS virus in their homes.
2. 57% (females) and 65% (males) would buy fresh vegatables from a shopkeeper who has the AIDS virus
3. 75% (Females) and 75% (males) stated that a female teacher with AIDS virus and si not sick should be allowed to continue teaching.
4. 49% (females) and 59% (males) would not want to keep secret that a family member has AIDS virus.
5. 26% (females) and 35% (males) accepted all four indicators!
What does these figures tell related to HIV and AIDS stigma and discrimination! While the overall data are promising towards eradicating the epidermic, but the question can be are we really fighting the really problem. The indicators suggest that stigma and discrimination is really high!
For instance the same reports tells that the highest attitudinal acceptance rate of HIV and AIDS is in Arusha (42%) and the lowest is covered by Singida (15%). Dar Es Salaam has 32% attitudinal acceptance! The national percentage is 26%. No wonder stigma and discrimination is highest in the urban areas than in rural areas. While a lot of monies are fuelled to fight HIV and AIDS via the government and related partners. HIV and AIDS is really politicised.
TACAIDS are telling us that we heading towards HIV and AIDS being a PERSONAL PROBLEM than a NATIONAL DISASTER. Which to my opinion is wrong. I was in Iringa - Mafinga at the early of this year! I visited Liganga Village which is opposite to Mafinga JKT. Its the village with the highest prevalence rate at the moment! The nearby JKT run dispensary records revealed that on every ten (10) persons testing for HIV and AIDS, 8 (eight) people are diagnosed infected with HIV and AIDS. The disease is alarming and killing. I met a family where grandparent, his kids and one grand child (aged 6) are all on ARVs. A CALL UPON you guys to visit Liganga village - opposite to JKT Mafinga! I learned one small thing that, ILLITERACY and IGNORANCE is the most causer reason for continuing INFECTIONS and DEATHS.
Mtoa mada Discrimination is a result of prejudice, fear and ignorance and makes it hard for people to disclosure that they have HIV. There is no shame in having HIV/AIDS and your HIV status says
nothing about who you are or what you are worth.
Hakuna kitu kizuri kama kujitambua na kujithamini! Nafurahi kwamba umejitambua! Lakini pia umeitambua jamii ikuzungukayo na treatments zao! Unyanyapaa bado upo sana.... HIV + Seeking counseling and support groups or service organizations that help people living with HIV/AIDS will help! Kuna mashirika mengi sana Dar Es Salaam na mitandao!
Otherwise, you'll be part of augmenting the scourge. Think of the orphans in the streets, kids who dont have school fees etc because of the HIV and AIDS related causes. Importantly, right to LIFE is fundamental to every Tanzanian and it should be that way! While I commend you telling your story which is really saddening, I pray that you keep on becoming steady, focused and importantly know how WORTH you are and other Tanzanians. Life is too precious. Look for Psycho-therapist cum counselor! Pole sana!
Kwa wengine lets break the chains!