One of the best places for People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs) to be cared for is at home surrounded by people who love and care for them. Many people living with AIDS can lead an active life for long periods of time if care and attention is given to them. Generally, PLWHAs do not need to be in the hospital. Being at home is often cheaper, more comfortable more familiar and gives more control of their life.
In fact, people with AIDS related illness often get better faster and with less discomfort at home with the support of their family, friends and loved ones. But this has often not been the case as we found out during a chat with some infected persons.
Mr. Mensah, a victim of HIV/AIDS said, “My landlord ejected me from my house because of my HIV/AIDS status”. Others also complained of rejection by family, friends, colleagues and others.
Ama Serwaa another HIV victim said, “Some of my family members refuse to eat, talk and share things with me because I am HIV positive”. Sarah also said she was forbidden from helping at her friend’s funeral by the friend’s family because of her status.
Some of these rejections also occur at work places. For example, Awo who is also positive said she confined in a colleague about her health status but surprisingly the colleague who has been so close to her suddenly started stigmatizing her at the work place.
Due to fear of stigmatization and discrimination against them, most of the PLWHAs have decided to keep their status a secret from their families and friends.
Mr. Mensah, a victim of HIV/AIDS said, “My landlord ejected me from my house because of my HIV/AIDS status”. Others also complained of rejection by family, friends, colleagues and others.
