It is well known: illness is frightening. And having a condition can also mean facing discrimination. On the occasion of the 21st World AIDS Day, the members of the municipal council of the city of Nice agreed to lend their image for the AIDES advocacy campaign. An advertising campaign that was launched last year, featuring, for example, Line Renaud delivering the message: “Would you still give me as much affection if I were HIV-positive?” Striking, this campaign highlights “the way we view a person who is HIV-positive or not,” says Sophie Becquet, regional delegate for PACA-East for the Sida Info Service observatory. It started on November 23 and continues until December 8. The objective: to fight against discrimination which “is often linked to fears and misconceptions about the virus’s transmission mode,” adds Sophie Becquet.
Discrimination persists
A survey reveals that nearly half of the respondents, in a sample of 273 people, have already experienced discrimination in the healthcare field. Particularly among dentists. So why do these healthcare professionals adopt such attitudes towards people with the virus? Because of “ignorance.” “HIV is present in the blood, not in saliva,” asserts Sophie Becquet. However, it is necessary that “the healthcare professional takes the necessary measures related to the virus,” she continues. It is hard to believe, but discrimination also exists within families. Another area where revealing one’s HIV-positive status can be problematic is the professional sphere. Unfortunately, stating being a carrier of the HIV virus can be detrimental to a job seeker. But “employers need to be encouraged to learn about the disease,” says Sophie Becquet. Every person has the right to justice in France, and they can also pursue legal action to report the discrimination they face. But “few people take the necessary steps due to a lack of knowledge of their rights and fear,” confides Sophie Becquet. Where fear is present, “some lack the strength to initiate legal proceedings,” she adds. On Tuesday, the generosity of the French will be solicited to break last year’s donation record of 6.3 million euros. A sum which seems “insignificant,” compared to the 122.8 million euros raised by the Telethon last year.
