World AIDS Day: People with HIV more often discriminated against in the health care system

On the occasion of World AIDS Day on December 1, the Swiss AIDS Federation, as the Swiss Reporting Centre for Discrimination and Data Protection Violations for HIV Affected Persons, publishes the latest statistics. A total of 106 cases of discrimination were reported in 2022. However, a high number of unreported cases can be assumed.

Most discrimination and data breaches were reported in the areas of insurance, employment, entry/residence, and criminal justice. However, people most often experience HIV discrimination in the health care sector. About one-third of all reports concern the health sector.

Marking "HIV" in hospitals

For example, incidents were reported from hospitals with a "HIV-positive" mark on the hospital bed of a multi-bed room or the transfer of a dental hygiene as well as the rejection of a pregnant woman. Until today, an HIV infection is morally condemned and many people do not know that almost all people with HIV in Switzerland could be treated with a successful therapy, the lawyer Caroline Suter of the Swiss AIDS Federation is quoted.

The discriminatory treatment by professionals is extremely stressful for the mental health of people with HIV, according to AIDS Relief Switzerland. Therefore, the message of the Federal Reporting Office in the current message for World AIDS Day is: "Relax. People with HIV under successful therapy do not transmit the virus."

Aids-Hilfe Schweiz calls for information about HIV in order to create a society without discrimination together. Andreas Lehner, Executive Director of the Swiss AIDS Federation, addresses the message directly to healthcare professionals. More than 100,000 healthcare professionals throughout Switzerland will be directly contacted and educated.

Source: Aids-Hilfe Schweiz