Sexual networks can been defined as interwoven chains amongst groups of people/ associates who are sharing already infected sexual partners amongst themselves unknowingly, in form of what is now loosely referred to as “side dish(es)” or “spare tyre(s)”. The current rapid HIV infection rate in married or cohabiting couples has to a large extent been attributed to these kinds of networks.home hiv test, hiv self test, home hiv kit
The campaign launched to stop such practice must therefore be extremely commended. Unfortunately, there seems to be a paucity of alignment between the message aired out as portrayed in the radio adverts and the continuous reassurance given to persons found to be HIV positive during post-test counselling. home hiv test, hiv self test, home hiv kitFor instance, one of the campaign message aired out against sexual network is to the effect that; once one gets HIV, neither the patient nor the children can ever live a good life. It also expounds that; once either of the married couples (discordant couples put into consideration) or both become infected with HIV, then the children’s future is thwarted completely. First of all, isn’t this message undermining the counselling techniques used on people found to have acquired the virus?home hiv test, hiv self test, home hiv kit
The post-test counselling of a patient found to have the HIV virus is geared towards reassuring the victim that regardless of his/her HIV positive results, he/she can still live a good quality life, with good monitoring.
Secondly, have the proponents against sexual networks put into consideration the children who acquire the virus at birth? Are they aware that some of the children born with the virus in the 1990s are now adolescents, and some are young adults who require constant moral and psychological support? Describing HIV infection as an automatic avenue to hopelessness as portrayed in the aired messages in the media, may tantamount to stigmatisation of the HIV patients. In fact, such kind of message may be discriminatory in character, infringing on the patient’s constitutional right, not to be discriminated against as provided for by (Article 21 of the 1995 Constitution).home hiv test, hiv self test, home hiv kit
The campaign should come up with an appropriate message that strikes a balance between protecting the public health while preserving the human rights and dignity of people living with HIV. They should focus more on revitalising the marriage institution by encouraging couples to observe two major elements; one: Being available for one another and two: showing mutual respect for one another as husband and wife, since a big percentage of sexual networks do arise through search for new companionship.home hiv test, hiv self test, home hiv kit
With due respect to those behind the campaign against sexual networks, the message, as it is being aired out currently, to a great extent, stigmatises HIV patients and increases social rejection, self condemnation and self pity.home hiv test, hiv self test, home hiv kit