January 02nd, 2025 – GS4

You are a District Medical Officer (DMO) of a rural district in India. Your district has been grappling with a significant number of cases of AIDS. Despite medical advancements, the stigma associated with AIDS persists, leading to discrimination and social isolation of the affected individuals.

Recently, a young woman named Gita was diagnosed with AIDS in your district. Gita’s diagnosis spread quickly through the community, and she began to face discrimination and ostracization from her neighbours, friends, and even some family members. People in the community started avoiding her, spreading rumours, and labelling her as “untouchable.” Gita’’s mental health deteriorated rapidly, and she became depressed, feeling abandoned and hopeless.

Thereafter, you initiated an investigation into Gita’s case and discovered a pattern of discrimination against individuals living with AIDS within the district. Through community outreach programs and anonymous surveys, you uncovered instances of discrimination in healthcare settings, educational institutions, workplaces, and even within families. It became evident that the lack of understanding about AIDS and the perpetuation of myths and misconceptions were fueling this discrimination

As the DMO, you realised that addressing the stigma surrounding AIDS was crucial not only for Gita’s well-being but also for the overall public health of your district.Stigmatization discourages individuals from seeking diagnosis and treatment, further exacerbating the spread of these diseases

Q1. Discuss the ethical issues involved in this case

Q2. What are the various steps taken by the Government of India (GOI) to combat the stigmatisation of AIDS patients and ensuring  access to treatment?

Q3. How can you effectively shift the perceptions and attitudes of the community within your district regarding individuals suffering from AIDS?