Social stigma and vulnerabilities of HIV/AIDS-positive people: Reconsidering social work education and NGOs’ role in Bangladesh

Abstract

Despite the low incidence of HIV in Bangladesh, an HIV diagnosis results in stigma and discrimination. Therefore, the study looked at the causes and patterns of social exclusion, as well as strategies for reducing the exclusion of HIV/AIDS positive people. It also emphasized the importance of reconsidering social work education and the role of non-governmental organizations in curbing the stigma that these people confront. In this qualitative study, a convenience sampling approach was utilized to select the participants from the NGO, Ashar Alo Society (AAS). The findings are grouped into four themes: social stigma towards HIV/AIDS positive people, social exclusion from family and community, healthcare, education, and employment, the role of the non-governmental organizations in reducing their exclusion and vulnerabilities and reconsideration of social work knowledge. Recommendations include the provision of remote healthcare and support services to combat stigma, as well as the adoption of social work knowledge in the new NGO efforts to assist PLWHIV in accessing care.