CVC recently partnered with Comforting Hearts in Guyana to stage an anti-stigma and discrimination workshop for students practicising in the healthcare system. The session is part of CVC’s efforts to sensitize various groups about human rights issues which affect members of key population groups.
Some of the topics covered during the one day workshop included:
- Addressing Stigma in our Health Facilities
- HIV-related Stigma and its Impact on HIV Prevention, Treatment, and Care
- Eliminating Stigma and Helping people get into and staying in care
The students who participated welcomed the training session.
“The training was very informative and it widened our knowledge about discrimination and stigma in the healthcare system. We also learnt about the importance of confidentiality. We also explored different perspectives about informed consent. We will definitely use this information to have a positive impact in the healthcare environment so that persons with HIV can be treated well and feel comfortable with coming to the facility,” said Tiffany Joseph.
Meanwhile another student, Shenika Tiexeir, said the training gave here insight into the far reaching negative effect stigma and discrimination can have on persons living with HIV when they try to access treatment and care services. “From today’s session I learnt that persons are affected mentally, physically, emotionally when they’re either discriminated against or stigmatized while receiving treatment. And sometimes if they know they will be stigmatized they might even refuse to come for treatment. This will prevent them from getting the care and guidance they need. Today’s session was very educational and I learnt a lot. It also reminded me so much about confidentiality and the importance of professionalism when it comes to performing my duties as a nurse,” she pointed out.
In the meantime Shmale King saidd the session increased her knowledge about stigma and discrimination against persons living with HIV. “The session was very informative. I learnt alot about stigma and discrimination against persons living with HIV. As a healthcare professional, if we can use what we learnt today, and put it into practice in the healthcare sector, that would be good, because that is the place where people face stigma. I’m happy I was able to learn several things I can now put into practice,” she said.
This sensitization training session is aligned with CVC’s strategic plan, as the organisation is a key advocate across the Caribbean for the upholding of human rights for key population groups.