ERADICATING the stigma surrounding HIV and Aids is one of the key objectives of a top medical conference which opened in Bahrain yesterday.
Improving legislation, raising and increasing awareness, testing and treatment strategies were also highlighted at the first Bahrain International Medical Conference for Aids (BIMCAIDS).
Organised by the Health Ministry, the two-day conference continues today under the patronage of Supreme Council of Health chairman Lieutenant General Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa at the Gulf Hotel Convention and Spa.
Present were Health Minister Dr Jalila Sayed, senior officials from the medical sector in the Kingdom, experts, consultants and academics from around the world.
A total of 400 participants are attending the forum physically and virtually.
According to experts, the stigma surrounding the illness has contributed to its spread due to fear of exposure, lack of adequate awareness, fear of social shame and isolation leading to late diagnosis.
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system and if left untreated it can lead to Aids (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
“I guarantee you, no one will come to you and say test me for HIV so the stigma is a major problem we are facing,” said BIMCAIDS chairwoman and Salmaniya Medical Complex infectious and internal diseases consultant Dr Jameela Al Salman during the first-of-its-kind conference for HIV and AIDS in the region.
“This conference is very important because of the challenges we are facing in the region as some of the countries have increasing rates of new infection despite the rest of the world having fewer new cases – this means we have to concentrate on prevention.
“The most important challenge is the stigma and how it’s effecting patients; and although stigma is hidden in some countries in others it’s obvious it still remains a global issue.
“The stigma is very pronounced which effects their quality of life and prevents them from accessing the available care because of the discrimination.
“The stigma isn’t just among the public but also among health workers and that is the discrimination we want to eliminate and not just reduce.”
Dr Al Salman reaffirmed Bahrain’s commitment – across the government and higher authorities – to tackle the disease by providing the best prevention, testing and treatment strategies and options within the health system.
She also re-emphasised the importance of Bahrain’s excellent linkage of care which immediately connects the patient to treatment upon detection.
“Aids is one of the critical diseases across the world and despite the low numbers in Bahrain it still remains an illness that must be tackled and prevented due to its nature,” said Health Ministry’s Public Health Directorate Disease Control Section chief Dr Adel Al Sayyad.
“These conferences are critical because they bring together experts from all over the world to discuss challenges and opportunities as well as raise awareness among the public and healthcare workers.
“We have noticed that there is an increase in infections among the youth due to sexual habits, the use of needles and other lifestyle choices which means we have to double our efforts across all levels.
“Stigma is unfortunately still present and we need to exert efforts to eradicate the stigma through healthcare professionals and the general public.”
Meanwhile, the Bahrain Reproductive Health Association highlighted that stigma negatively impacts prevention strategies and treatment as well as prevents patients from seeking medical attention and psychological guidance.
The association also revealed that this leads to severe isolation and negative repercussions on the patients quality of life, psychological and mental state, family as well financial stability and professional life.
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