Vulnerability of Persons with Disabilities to HIV Infection: The Case of the Blind, the Deaf and the Physically Disabled in Gullele Sub City of Addis Ababa
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Date
2007-08
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
HIV/AIDs has been one of the deadly diseases affecting the lives of millions of people
particularly in developing courtiers like Ethiopia. To alleviate the plight of the disease, a lot
of efforts have been made in the country. Particularly, some sections of society have been
beneficiaries of special treatment because of their perceived vulnerability to HIV. However,
persons with disabilities are neglected in the over all attempt to curb the spread of the virus.
They are rather perceived to be sexually inactive and have less social interaction to contract
HIV. Based on this, this paper attempts to answer the following underlying questions: what
risk factors contribute for the vulnerability of disabled people to HIV infection? What
services related to HIV are available for persons with disabilities in Gullele Sub- City? The
paper discusses issues related to disability and poverty, disability and HIV/AIDS, and
poverty and HIV/AIDS. The research was carried out by using qualitative method. Data
collection was carried out through in-depth interviews, focus group discussion and key
informants interview. The subjects of the study include PDs, PDLHAs, representatives from
local kebele administrators, and churches. Besides, organizations working on HIV/AIDS and
disability were participants in the interview. Moreover, this research reviewed secondary
data sources like National HIV policy documents and strategic plans. The finding of the
study shows that persons with disabilities are at high risk of HIV infection due to the various
factors like poverty, disability, lack of information, inaccessibility of HIV educational
materials and social exclusion, and stigma. This implies urgent need to incorporate disability
issues in HIV/AIDS and poverty reduction policies of the country.
Key Words: HIV/AIDS, Disability, Vulnerability, Risk, Persons with Disabilities
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Keywords
HIV/AIDS; Disability; Vulnerability; Risk; Persons with Disabilities