Discrimination against HIV carriers – a major issue in Moldova
The number of HIV/AIDS carriers remains stable in Moldova for the past three years, but the discrimination and stigmatization continue to increase.
“For this reason the HIV carriers are afraid to openly talk about their infection,” Natalia Ghilascu informed in a video report for Discriminare.md.
In her story, Ms. Ghilascu explains that Moldova is not ready to fight against discrimination of this type. Many people come to the Anti-AIDS Centre in Chisinau and report many cases of discrimination, such as being dismissed from their workplace or being banned from using the healthcare services.
“The parents are infected with HIV, but their children are being refused to attend school,” explains Lucia Partana, vice-chief of the Dermatology and Diseases Hospital.
In the report a case is presented which includes a segment videotaped using a hidden camera in which an HIV-positive man enters a dentist's office and requests for treatment of his teeth. After telling the doctor that he is infected with HIV, he is rejected and sent to another clinic.
A recent study finds that 44% of the persons infected with HIV are reluctant to admit their HIV positivity to any healthcare institutions for the fear that they will be denied service.
Over 87% of the HIV carriers in Moldova in 2009 are aged between 15 and 39. A recent sociological study shows that the most affected are the young persons who are in their fertile period. The report shows that among the groups at highest risk are teenagers, sexually active and employable.
Moldova.ORG
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