17 of 24

Write now Article Tools

Jamaica is one of those unfortunate states that are maligned with the anathema of the most fatal disease AIDS. Almost 1.6 percent of the grown-up populace is infected with this disease. Jamaica is the third largest AIDS infected country in the Caribbean region after Haiti and Dominican Republic. HIV occurrence is high among men who have sex with men. Almost 20 percent homosexual men and 25 percent of sex workers are living with HIV/AIDS. HIV is mainly transmitted by means of vulnerable heterosexual sex and is increasing more rapidly among women than men. 70 percent of AIDS cases are due to heterosexual sex and 6 percent are due to homosexual activities.

The homosexuality is against the law in Jamaica. It is not only forbidden by the law but those who do this are strongly stigmatized and discriminated. This attitude of the society is the major cause of concealing the disease from even the near and dear ones. The infected men or women are looked down upon by all and sundry. They can not admit the illness and spread the disease due to shyness and fear of insult. The connection of HIV/AIDS with homosexuality increase the stigma and abuse that result tin the supposition that they are involved in illegal sex. It also becomes the reason of the death of many who never had illegal sex.

The stigma and discrimination result in Violence against men and women who are homosexual. The infected men and women are tortured and harassed, they are also beaten, assaulted, and even murdered. Jamaican laws forbid homosexuality and consider this act as a severe violation of the moral and criminal law. The sex workers and others who are found involved in it are arrested and detained.
Jamaican society has intolerance against lesbians and gay men. Political leaders also promote violent behavior toward people who have sex with their own genre. This behavior of the society does not allow the patients to admit publicly that they are patients of AIDS. They pretend that they are free from the infection and openly meet the people and openly infect the men or women with whom they have sexual relations. They are obliged to stay hidden due to discrimination and ill-treatment.
This prejudice simulates serious risks for people meeting with the Jamaican aids patients. Facts and figures reveal that the quietness of the aids patients is becoming the main cause of the spread of the disease all over the world. The secrecy in this regard intensifies the possibility of HIV and other sexually

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about How does stigma and discrimination, as witnessed in Jamaica, perpetuate the global HIV/AIDS epidemic??
We want to hear your view. Write now!