HOW TO SUPPORT HIV PATIENTS

As an HIV and AIDS counselor, i usually ask HIV negative people that " how can you help or support someone who has been newly diagnosed with HIV?". The kind of responses i get are not the best because it can lead to more stigma, discrimination and isolation in the society. I usually educate such people who lack adequate knowledge about HIV so that they will be able to support friends, relations and others that are newly diagnosed with HIV thereby reducing stigma in the society. For my two years of experience working as an HIV Counselor in the hospital, i first of all usually support someone who has newly been diagnosed with HIV by talking to the person in a calm and relaxed way. I am always available to have an open and honest discussion about HIV. I show them that I see them as the same person and that they can do anything like any other person and they are more than their diagnosis. Secondly, I also listen to them and offer my support, reassuring them that HIV is not the end of the world and it is a manageable health condition and there are medicines that can make them stay healthy. Thirdly, I encourage them to take treatment. I realized that some people who are newly diagnosed may find it hard to take that first step to HIV treatment. I know that by getting linked to HIV medical care, starting treatment with HIV medication, adhering to treatment and staying in care, people with HIV can keep the virus under control and prevent their infection from progressing to AIDS.