ABSTRACT
The high level of stigma and discrimination experienced by people living with HIV/AIDS can be attributed not only to prejudice among family members, and community members, but also to prejudice among some hospital staff.
Previous studies has shown that attitudes of some hospital staff towards people living with HIV/AIDS are influenced by fear and misconceptions about HIV transmission, and that there is inadequate awareness and practice of procedures to ensure staff safety against contracting HIV/AIDS.
This to some extent is alarmingly increasing the rate of stigma and discrimination on the part of (PLHIVS) which has made some of them resort to dangerous activities such as alcohol abuse. Such abusive behaviour has clamed the lives of two clients within the Ga East Municipality of Ghana, and steps must be taken to ensure the same tragedy doesn’t happen again.
It is based on the concern for the livelihood and well being of PLHIV that AFAWI Ghana aims to address the challenges faced by PLHIV as a means of understanding their plight. Only then can we effectively alleviate their struggle and curtail the problem.
RESEARCH FINDINGS, SUMMARY, CONCULSIONS AND RECOMMENDATION
5.0 INTRODUCTION
This concluding chapter shows the summary of the main findings of the study and conclusions drawn from those findings. Recommendations are also expressed by the researcher based on the findings from the study.
5.1 RESEARCH FINDINDS
• That female is more vulnerable to the HIV/AIDS pandemic in the Ga East municipality than males (research demonstrated 90% female response rate versus 10% male response rate). This reaffirms assertions made by (W.H.O), World Health Organization and other social activist on HIV/AIDS.
• The research also revealed that PLHIV/AIDS are faced with stigmatization and suffer from discrimination from family members and hospital personnel. 64% report being discriminated against by family members, while 23.3% report feeling mistreated by hospital personnel.
• It was also realized that PLHIV/AIDS within the municipality resort to dangerous behaviors such as alcoholic intake when faced with discrimination.
• The study further more found out that organizations that deal with PLHIV/AIDS within the municipality are also faced with some form of challenges- ranging from difficulties in raising money for programs to staffing problems.
• Finally, the above finding proves that the hypothetical questions (statement of problems) in chapter one is true.
It is based on this that the research wants to look into The Pertinent Challenges People Living With HIV/AIDS Within The Ga East Municipality are facing among family members, community members and especially among health personnel to help curtail the problems associated with the stigmatization and discrimination faced by PLHIV/AIDS.
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
Stigma and discrimination impact negatively on every aspect of the preventive-care-treatment continuum, as well as greatly increasing the suffering associated with HIV/AIDS pandemic. The case studies detailed here demonstrate some success in tackling stigma, discrimi¬nation, and the abuse of human rights. It also reveals evidence of real innovation adapted to local circumstances and needs. Ongoing evaluation and documentation remain important.
Everyone should try and put measures in place in tackling HIV related stigma, discrimination and human rights violation on PLHIV. Effort to do this will go a long way in slowing the impact of the pandemic in Ghana and the world at large.
RECOMMENDATION
The following procedures are recommended for curtailing the numerous challenges people living with HIV/AIDS are facing.
In relation to stigmatization, there is the need to include media-directed efforts aimed at increasing tolerance and understanding towards people living with HIV and promoting their cause. This may include;
• improving the quality of life for people living with HIV through integrated care, including home-based care;
• Mobilizing religious leaders to foster respect and compassion for people living with HIV;
• Addressing broader inequalities through participatory education;
• Creating a supportive and confidential space for the discussion of sensitive topics;
• Providing comprehensive HIV treatment and AIDS care, including access to antiret¬roviral therapy;
• Empowering people living with HIV to take the lead in diverse support and advocacy activities
• Mobilizing community leaders to encourage greater openness around sexuality- and HIV-related issues within communities by building on positive social norms; and.
• Raising awareness through the media.
Furthermore, in relation to discrimination, measures have to be put in place in institutional settings—specifically workplaces and health services in order to de-institutionalize stigma and discrimination. This may include:
• Mobilizing the health services to implement non-discriminatory policies.
• Improving the quality of care in health services for patients living with HIV through participatory work with health-care managers and providers.
• Improving the quality of life of employees living with HIV through access to integrated care and the implementa¬tion of non-discriminatory workplace policies.
• Promoting under¬standing about AIDS through the education of managers and employees, and
• Ensuring that cases of discrimination are addressed and dealt with
The above recommendations will help reduce the stigma and discrimination that plague PLHIV. Promoting a more informed and nurturing environment for PLHIV will alleviate some of their hardships and can help live lead happier and healthier lives.
