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

No Thumbnail Available

Date

2007-08

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

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

Description

Keywords

HIV/AIDS; Disability; Vulnerability; Risk; Persons with Disabilities

Citation

Collections