Special Thai report: HIV stigma 'killing people's ability to work'

[webfact]

SPECIAL REPORT
HIV stigma 'killing people's ability to work'
Chularat Saengpassa
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- Everybody has to work to survive. Sadly, in a country with an unemployment rate below 1 per cent like Thailand, those with HIV are struggling to find or maintain jobs.

That is the case of "Miew", who contracted HIV from her parents. Her mother died when she was in Prathom 5.

She is terrified of taking blood tests as required by many firms, whether at the start of recruitment or at an annual check-up.

"I don't dare tell my employer that I'm HIV-positive," said the 24-year-old woman who has lived with HIV all her life.

"Nick", 29, said he lost his job as soon as his employer found out that he had HIV.

His infection was detected when he complied with his employer's blood-test requirements. Before that, even he did not know that he harboured the virus.

"It was a double blow. First I found out that I had HIV and then my employer told me to resign," Nick said.

He believes he was infected by a woman sex partner.

The technical engineering graduate said he had no problems at work and his performance was good.

"I passed probation and was about to sign a contract as a permanent employee," he said.

After learning about the rights of HIV-positive people from the Aids Access Foundation and its campaigns, Nick filed a complaint and the foundation contacted his former employer.

Suntaraporn Ketkaew of the foundation said the company is denying that Nick was asked to resign because he is HIV-positive.

"It claims that Nick quit by himself. We are still trying to get him some compensation," she said.

Blood-test results should be given directly to the employees involved, she and other advocates say, not to companies' human resources departments.

"I've heard that, like Nick, many other employees also lost their jobs because they tested positive and the HR department found out."

She also cited the case of a teenager who has been living with HIV since birth.

"She lost her job because she worked at a restaurant and it had a policy of not hiring HIV-positive people," Suntaraporn said.

Generally those living with HIV faced fewer job choices.

"It's discrimination, but the reality is those with HIV have the ability to work just like other people," she said.

Since the first HIV case was discovered in Thailand in 1984, by 2010 about 30,000 children were estimated to be living with HIV transmitted by their parents.

The poor prospects of finding work as well as stigma make the lives of the HIV-positive harder.

"I had no friends when I was in primary school. My classmates just taunted me, labelling me the 'Aids kid'. They wouldn't play with me, let alone share anything with me. I had to eat alone during lunch," Miew said.

Students at school would scatter as soon as she showed up because nobody wanted to be near her.

"Luckily, my teachers understood. They stood by me," she said.

The help and guidance from the Aids Access Foundation also helped her move on.

"So, I've been able to focus on my dream of studying and working to support my elderly grandmother. I began doing odd jobs when I was still a primary student," she said.

Her life changed for the better once she started making friends in secondary school. She was also given the chance to go to Canada to attend an Aids-related conference - a move that boosted her morale significantly.

"After that, I felt as if my life was not so bad after all. If I have problems, I just keep telling myself that tomorrow will be better," she said.

This stigma is also hurting people's access to medication - as many as 200,000 people with HIV previously lacked access to anti-retroviral drugs.

As for Nick, he managed to get a new job at a firm that has no policy of screening applicants before hiring them or doing annual check-ups. However, potential discrimination has stopped him telling anybody about his HIV status.

"I haven't even told my parents," he said.

Nick does not need to take anti-viral cocktails yet, because he still doesn't have any symptoms. However, he can't help but worry about his job.

"I just started here and don't want to take any time off because I'm worried my co-workers will become suspicious," he said.

Miew said employers should focus on performance rather than blood-test results.

"Please give us opportunities, so we can prove that we are as good as or even better than others when it comes to work," she said.

She wondered why society shuns HIV-positive people, when they have to live with the infection all their lives. "Don't waste our lives. We can work and contribute to society. Don't treat us like a burden."

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/HIV-stigma-killing-peoples-ability-to-work-30248902.html


-- The Nation 2014-12-01

[simonuk]

Ignorance is the root of those issues.

Real education to change perceptions , continuous commitment is needed not just little gov campaigns.

[noitom]

Not much of a 'special report." Looks more like a few quotes from people with HIV.

[hanuman2543]

Thailand the "hub" of prejudices. Sad but very true.

[Tokay]

Thai Rak Thai, Thainess, Buddhism, whatever.

Ignorance is not only the root of this problem, but the root of most problems in the Land Of Smiles.

[chainarong]

This is also a problem in the west, you do a medical to start work and all these questions including AIDS and if you have had any exotic disease that includes Dengue fever and malaria, so if you have had these, you might not get a job in high unemployment.

[captspectre]

Not much of a 'special report." Looks more like a few quotes from people with HIV.

maybe the dear leader can do something about this!

[jdinasia]

Not much of a 'special report." Looks more like a few quotes from people with HIV.

maybe the dear leader can do something about this!

About an article on world AIDS day?

Or about social stigma?

Social stigma is a cultural thing that takes time to correct.

[BudRight]

This is also a problem in the west, you do a medical to start work and all these questions including AIDS and if you have had any exotic disease that includes Dengue fever and malaria, so if you have had these, you might not get a job in high unemployment.

You have absolutely no idea what you are talking about. It is 100% criminally illegal for employers in the US and Canada even ask you if you have HIV let alone discriminate. This applies to all professions, including phlebotomists nurses and doctors. I do not know about Europe but unlike you I'm not going to just make shit up.

[OmarZaidMD]

HIV, the protected disease ... descrimination is called for and for good reason folks. It is foolish to jump on a bandwagon just because it is fashionable to protect LGBT related issues from scrutiny.

Yes, they have a right to work, but as the victim who didn't know said, 'he got from his girl friend'. These people should be ID'd for the public's safety, never mind the work related issue.

If one is HIV positive, then let it be known.

[jdinasia]

HIV, the protected disease ... descrimination is called for and for good reason folks. It is foolish to jump on a bandwagon just because it is fashionable to protect LGBT related issues from scrutiny.

Yes, they have a right to work, but as the victim who didn't know said, 'he got from his girl friend'. These people should be ID'd for the public's safety, never mind the work related issue.

If one is HIV positive, then let it be known.

An attitude that flies in the face of the opinion of modern science and that of all medical associations in the West.

[sfokevin]

HIV, the protected disease ... descrimination is called for and for good reason folks. It is foolish to jump on a bandwagon just because it is fashionable to protect LGBT related issues from scrutiny.

Yes, they have a right to work, but as the victim who didn't know said, 'he got from his girl friend'. These people should be ID'd for the public's safety, never mind the work related issue.

If one is HIV positive, then let it be known.

And how would you like them to be identified?... Oh I know an armband and a tattoo on the wrist for good measure...

[The stuttering parrot]

Unfortunately all thai governments of the past have known of the aids epidemic and have either ignored to an extent or haven't put their resources into the eduction programmes .

It's like a no no subject that should be tackled at grass roots level and then with an ongoing advertising campaign saying it's not a taboo subject and parents should be involved in educating their children to cover up.

Condom vending machines at schools and unis would be a good start.

[Strikerxxx]

Unemployment below 1%!!!!!!!! I mean HIV is everywhere, but unemployment below 1% is something to talk about. The thais need to set the rest of the world straight on how to keep people being productive.

[cup-O-coffee]

HIV, the protected disease ... descrimination is called for and for good reason folks. It is foolish to jump on a bandwagon just because it is fashionable to protect LGBT related issues from scrutiny.

Yes, they have a right to work, but as the victim who didn't know said, 'he got from his girl friend'. These people should be ID'd for the public's safety, never mind the work related issue.

If one is HIV positive, then let it be known.

And how would you like them to be identified?... Oh I know an armband and a tattoo on the wrist for good measure...

This is really a difficult subject to take sides on. I understand both sides and the emotions that can get raw over it. I simply think that there is not going to be any easy way out of this, and moreover it will be a very painful one. Those with it and who are spreading it, and those who fear the test because their activity places them in the likelihood of showing it on a test simply makes it unbearable for many. But the rub is that they refuse to be responsible for this activity, in a society that they claim to want equal rights in, but they won't be responsible towards those they demand equal rights from, who do not engage in this kind of activity... kind of a sick Zen riddle.

No. This is like one of those things that one finds difficult to choose a side with, but the way things are headed, I can state with certainty that the consequences just may have to be akin to armbands and tattoos... not from discrimination, but from flat out fear on a mass, worldwide scale.

There is simply no way to look at this without feeling extremely awkward and a bit sad.

[jdinasia]

Unfortunately all thai governments of the past have known of the aids epidemic and have either ignored to an extent or haven't put their resources into the eduction programmes .

It's like a no no subject that should be tackled at grass roots level and then with an ongoing advertising campaign saying it's not a taboo subject and parents should be involved in educating their children to cover up.

Condom vending machines at schools and unis would be a good start.

Your lack of knowledge about the history of HIV /AIDS education in Thailand is appalling

Google the video from TED talk. How Mr Condom made Thailand a better place.

[jdinasia]

HIV, the protected disease ... descrimination is called for and for good reason folks. It is foolish to jump on a bandwagon just because it is fashionable to protect LGBT related issues from scrutiny.

Yes, they have a right to work, but as the victim who didn't know said, 'he got from his girl friend'. These people should be ID'd for the public's safety, never mind the work related issue.

If one is HIV positive, then let it be known.

And how would you like them to be identified?... Oh I know an armband and a tattoo on the wrist for good measure...

This is really a difficult subject to take sides on. I understand both sides and the emotions that can get raw over it. I simply think that there is not going to be any easy way out of this, and moreover it will be a very painful one. Those with it and who are spreading it, and those who fear the test because their activity places them in the likelihood of showing it on a test simply makes it unbearable for many. But the rub is that they refuse to be responsible for this activity, in a society that they claim to want equal rights in, but they won't be responsible towards those they demand equal rights from, who do not engage in this kind of activity... kind of a sick Zen riddle.

No. This is like one of those things that one finds difficult to choose a side with, but the way things are headed, I can state with certainty that the consequences just may have to be akin to armbands and tattoos... not from discrimination, but from flat out fear on a mass, worldwide scale.

There is simply no way to look at this without feeling extremely awkward and a bit sad.

See my post above.

[Friendly Stranger]

HIV, the protected disease ... descrimination is called for and for good reason folks. It is foolish to jump on a bandwagon just because it is fashionable to protect LGBT related issues from scrutiny.

Yes, they have a right to work, but as the victim who didn't know said, 'he got from his girl friend'. These people should be ID'd for the public's safety, never mind the work related issue.

If one is HIV positive, then let it be known.

What a ridiculous comment. Sounds like Nazi Germany. Also, hetros get it too. Just think if they had to walk around with a pin or something identifying their status. Many would be beaten and worse. Edited December 1, 2014 by Friendly Stranger

[alterman]

This is also a problem in the west, you do a medical to start work and all these questions including AIDS and if you have had any exotic disease that includes Dengue fever and malaria, so if you have had these, you might not get a job in high unemployment.

You have absolutely no idea what you are talking about. It is 100% criminally illegal for employers in the US and Canada even ask you if you have HIV let alone discriminate. This applies to all professions, including phlebotomists nurses and doctors. I do not know about Europe but unlike you I'm not going to just make shit up.

Good morning everyone.

Yes it is in almost all western countries illegal even ask that. Not sure how about if you want get surgeon work or something like that.

I have been positive people for years and eat medicines couple years. If patient eat his medicines right and all doses, virus amount staying in so low that it can not even see in blood test and risk you make anyone postivive is something like 0.00003%(lazy check right number to here, but maybe one 0 more or lower, but check your odds drive and dead with motorbike in thailand after few Chang and think what is safety boom boom with straight positive girl or boy without protection or drive in little drunked with motorbike in thailand ) in normal sex, depends what kind of sex and are you gay or straight etc but odds not go much higher. Still you must use always protection, that is your duty to take care that you not have any risk make anyone else sick. But todays in some European countries medical recommendations are go that way in some countries if your HIV are under control, doctors can tell you can make babies with your partner in normal natural way. It is changing but still they can not say that because rules... But they saying that still but not straight.

Here in Thailand situation is total different that is really difficult find correct information about HIV/AIDS in Thai language even with Google. There is only Narak forum where HIV positive peoples talking and have own community and share their stories and help with question when new positive peoples join to group. It is sad to see that is almost only place in Thailand where you can find good and correct information. If you go to hospital, it is same what hospital you choose from Pattaya Memorial to Bangkok Hospital and infection doctor have really limited information about your illness and you can not be sure that doctor ask you go testing your partner every 3 months even if you use protection and your virus can not see (situation where in Europe they start telling you can make babies if you want), because he don't know or because he want get more money for himself and hospital.

Edited December 1, 2014 by alterman

[Trouble]

HIV, the protected disease ... descrimination is called for and for good reason folks. It is foolish to jump on a bandwagon just because it is fashionable to protect LGBT related issues from scrutiny.

Yes, they have a right to work, but as the victim who didn't know said, 'he got from his girl friend'. These people should be ID'd for the public's safety, never mind the work related issue.

If one is HIV positive, then let it be known.

You are a f**ki8*ng moron and an ignorant fool.

[EmptyHead]

HIV tests before work. Unbelievable.

I thought that had stopped already.

I know they still test teachers for some stuff, but i thought HIV had been taken off the list.

Edited December 1, 2014 by EmptyHead

[Trouble]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

HIV, the protected disease ... descrimination is called for and for good reason folks. It is foolish to jump on a bandwagon just because it is fashionable to protect LGBT related issues from scrutiny.

Yes, they have a right to work, but as the victim who didn't know said, 'he got from his girl friend'. These people should be ID'd for the public's safety, never mind the work related issue.

If one is HIV positive, then let it be known.

And how would you like them to be identified?... Oh I know an armband and a tattoo on the wrist for good measure...

This is really a difficult subject to take sides on. I understand both sides and the emotions that can get raw over it. I simply think that there is not going to be any easy way out of this, and moreover it will be a very painful one. Those with it and who are spreading it, and those who fear the test because their activity places them in the likelihood of showing it on a test simply makes it unbearable for many. But the rub is that they refuse to be responsible for this activity, in a society that they claim to want equal rights in, but they won't be responsible towards those they demand equal rights from, who do not engage in this kind of activity... kind of a sick Zen riddle.

No. This is like one of those things that one finds difficult to choose a side with, but the way things are headed, I can state with certainty that the consequences just may have to be akin to armbands and tattoos... not from discrimination, but from flat out fear on a mass, worldwide scale.

There is simply no way to look at this without feeling extremely awkward and a bit sad.

When I see reactions like this, I can only think how ignorant some people are when it comes to HIV, how it is contracted, etc. There is absolutely no danger is working with a person with HIV or being served food by a person with HIV. How you people function in society with such bigoted attitudes is beyond my comprehension. Maybe you should just lock yourselves in a room to be safe. You would be doing everyone a favor.

[EmptyHead]

HIV, the protected disease ... descrimination is called for and for good reason folks. It is foolish to jump on a bandwagon just because it is fashionable to protect LGBT related issues from scrutiny.

Yes, they have a right to work, but as the victim who didn't know said, 'he got from his girl friend'. These people should be ID'd for the public's safety, never mind the work related issue.

If one is HIV positive, then let it be known.

HIV is actually quite difficult to get, by the way. It doesn't spread through air, you know. There must be bodily penetration and the virus must be able to come into contact with a blood cell.

Public safety? You mean "partner safety". Use condoms. Be celibate. Practice non-penetrative sex acts, including oral. Go to get tested with a partner.

Work related issue? I can't imagine getting HIV from simply working with someone.

Even if i had unprotected sex with a HIV positive female, the odds I would get it from a single exposure of full sex are somewhere between 1 in 1000 and 1 in 2000. Even receptive anal is about 1 in 100, and that's the riskiest sex you can have.

Some people are so terrified of HIV that they say dumb things like you just have.

Edited December 1, 2014 by EmptyHead

[davidmann]

This is also a problem in the west, you do a medical to start work and all these questions including AIDS and if you have had any exotic disease that includes Dengue fever and malaria, so if you have had these, you might not get a job in high unemployment.

You have absolutely no idea what you are talking about. It is 100% criminally illegal for employers in the US and Canada even ask you if you have HIV let alone discriminate. This applies to all professions, including phlebotomists nurses and doctors. I do not know about Europe but unlike you I'm not going to just make shit up.

YOU need a AIDS test to get visa to live in the USA ,yes and in France you have a blood test to work and a medical ,TB check to get visa for the UK ,that is to live

[smileydude]

Humans by nature are prejudiced and fearful of what they are not familiar with = stigma.

Normally it is tolerable but when it becomes systematic then we might as well go back to living in the middle ages because all this knowledge we have learned over the centuries has done us no good.

Edited December 1, 2014 by smileydude

[bkkgooner]

HIV, the protected disease ... descrimination is called for and for good reason folks. It is foolish to jump on a bandwagon just because it is fashionable to protect LGBT related issues from scrutiny.

Yes, they have a right to work, but as the victim who didn't know said, 'he got from his girl friend'. These people should be ID'd for the public's safety, never mind the work related issue.

If one is HIV positive, then let it be known.

Why do you need to know if your colleague is HIV positive?

[uptheos]

This is also a problem in the west, you do a medical to start work and all these questions including AIDS and if you have had any exotic disease that includes Dengue fever and malaria, so if you have had these, you might not get a job in high unemployment.

You have absolutely no idea what you are talking about. It is 100% criminally illegal for employers in the US and Canada even ask you if you have HIV let alone discriminate. This applies to all professions, including phlebotomists nurses and doctors. I do not know about Europe but unlike you I'm not going to just make shit up.

Good morning everyone.

Yes it is in almost all western countries illegal even ask that. Not sure how about if you want get surgeon work or something like that.

UK

Restrictions applying to healthcare workers

• HIV-positive healthcare workers need to inform their occupational health department of their status.

• Any information on HIV status given to occupational health staff must be treated with the same confidentiality standards as it would be for patients.

• Fom April 2014, healthcare workers in the United Kingdom living with HIV will be permitted to carry out exposure-prone surgical and dental procedures, if they are on antiretroviral treatment, receive regular medical monitoring and have an undetectable viral load.

• For more information about the changed healthcare clearance procedures for healthcare workers, see the National AIDS Trust’s document Changes to employment restrictions for healthcare workers with HIV.

[The stuttering parrot]

Unfortunately all thai governments of the past have known of the aids epidemic and have either ignored to an extent or haven't put their resources into the eduction programmes .

It's like a no no subject that should be tackled at grass roots level and then with an ongoing advertising campaign saying it's not a taboo subject and parents should be involved in educating their children to cover up.

Condom vending machines at schools and unis would be a good start.

Your lack of knowledge about the history of HIV /AIDS education in Thailand is appalling

Google the video from TED talk. How Mr Condom made Thailand a better place.

[cup-O-coffee]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

HIV, the protected disease ... descrimination is called for and for good reason folks. It is foolish to jump on a bandwagon just because it is fashionable to protect LGBT related issues from scrutiny.

Yes, they have a right to work, but as the victim who didn't know said, 'he got from his girl friend'. These people should be ID'd for the public's safety, never mind the work related issue.

If one is HIV positive, then let it be known.

And how would you like them to be identified?... Oh I know an armband and a tattoo on the wrist for good measure...

This is really a difficult subject to take sides on. I understand both sides and the emotions that can get raw over it. I simply think that there is not going to be any easy way out of this, and moreover it will be a very painful one. Those with it and who are spreading it, and those who fear the test because their activity places them in the likelihood of showing it on a test simply makes it unbearable for many. But the rub is that they refuse to be responsible for this activity, in a society that they claim to want equal rights in, but they won't be responsible towards those they demand equal rights from, who do not engage in this kind of activity... kind of a sick Zen riddle.

No. This is like one of those things that one finds difficult to choose a side with, but the way things are headed, I can state with certainty that the consequences just may have to be akin to armbands and tattoos... not from discrimination, but from flat out fear on a mass, worldwide scale.

There is simply no way to look at this without feeling extremely awkward and a bit sad.

When I see reactions like this, I can only think how ignorant some people are when it comes to HIV, how it is contracted, etc. There is absolutely no danger is working with a person with HIV or being served food by a person with HIV. How you people function in society with such bigoted attitudes is beyond my comprehension. Maybe you should just lock yourselves in a room to be safe. You would be doing everyone a favor.

Your very first sentence is aimed at those who spread the infection, yes? It's their ignorance, and not mine, yes? You might imagine that it is acceptable to call me ignorant, but I assure you I do not have this disease, and moreover as a result, I do not spread this disease. Who does? Ignorant, selfish people with unrestrained compulsions, among other factors.

Were I to sincerely love someone, or love myself, or love my/a behavior and were that love (in any variable mentioned) to bring on a strong risk of cursing someone with an incurable disease (including on myself), then I would take a serious step back and re-evaluate loving someone, or loving myself, or loving my/a behavior that is responsible for this, and in the least, I would report immediately for a blood test to confirm and deal with it.

This is not about being near an infected person or being served food by an infected person as much as it is about those infected people being "afraid" to do themselves and others a good service and find out if they have this and deal with it head on. This is about people who are at risk of carrying or contracting or cursing others with an incurable disease and being "afraid" to deal with it responsibly. Me ignorant? I think not. I don't have HIV/AIDS. I have had numerous blood tests in the past since the 80's. So enough about me.

Interesting to note that you suggest I lock myself in a room to do everyone a favor, as I do not have this disease and therefore cannot spread this disease. Interesting indeed that you suggest the other way around.

I am responsible. They are not! (and I do not mean the exceptions either).

Edited December 1, 2014 by cup-O-coffee

[The stuttering parrot]

Hey Jdinasia don't worry about my lack of knowledge being appalling worry about the lack of knowledge of the thai youth!

Just google aids increase in Thailand and get some facts.

TED talk and mr condom might be doing some good but not nearly enough is being done.

Appalling !