Ignorance and myths around HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) They persist in Peru and continue to fuel situations of discrimination. According to the Ministry of Health (Minsa), there are more than 96,000 people living with HIV in the country, while the Social Security Agency (EsSalud) is recording a continued increase in diagnoses. These figures show, as the WHO (World Health Organization) reports, that the epidemic is far from being under control Social prejudices continue to impact both access routes Treatment as well as the environment of those living with the virus.
Serophobiaa term not widely used in non-specialized areas, defines the irrational fear and rejection of people living with HIV. This reaction is expressed in different scenarios, from the family environment to the educational and working environmentwhich makes everyday life more difficult for those affected. Although health institutions emphasize the importance of living together without prejudice, Misconceptions about the forms of transmission continue to be anchored in the collective imagination.
Despite advances in information, myths related to HIV cause fear among a portion of the Peruvian population. HIV, a viral infection that attacks the immune system a high level of stigmatization, reinforced by misinformation.
Accepting prejudice can be complex, but recognizing certain everyday behaviors is the first step to reducing serophobia. Avoid physical contact with HIV-positive people and refuse to share rooms or utensilsand expressing disproportionate concern about possible infections during shared activities (such as eating together or using a shared toilet) are warning signs. They are also indicative the resistance to establishing friendships, work, or emotional bonds once the diagnosis of a loved one is known.
These attitudes are often accompanied by comments or actions aimed at distancing the person with HIV from everyday group life using arguments about the safety of others. Discrimination manifests itself in Exclusion from social events or reluctance to integrate the person with HIV into work teamsregardless of your health status.
One of the most common false beliefs is the idea that HIV can be transmitted through HIV Casual contact such as kissing, hugging, sharing plates or glassesor from insect bites. The idea that the disease is exclusively a result of certain lifestyles or risky sexual behavior persists, which limits social responsibility and reduces the problem to the individual level.
These beliefs, perpetuated by ignorance, increase stigma and create an atmosphere of isolation. HIV is only transmitted through the exchange of certain body fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal secretions or breast milk.and not through regular contact or through air, food or water.
The preventive and educational approach represents the main strategy for dismantling these myths. Informed information and empathy are tools that can transform the environment and enable informed and respectful coexistence.
Serophobia promotes social exclusion and worsening mental health. People with a positive diagnosis face episodes of Isolation, rejection and hindrance of work or educational opportunities. Fear of stigmatization limits their willingness to seek timely medical or psychological support, which negatively impacts HIV control rates.
Aside from that, Stigmatization perpetuates the cycle of discrimination and makes social integration more difficult. Alienation of family ties and harassment in public or private spaces significantly affect the quality of life and emotional well-being of people living with the virus.
Fighting serophobia requires truthful information and empathy. Inclusion and respect for human rights are central elements of the collective response to HIV and AIDS. Recognizing serophobia and its effects is an important step towards building fairer societies without discrimination.
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