While acknowledging that there is little hope for HIV-positive people, majority of the Indian population still believes that there is a cure for AIDS, says a survey.
NEW DELHI: While acknowledging that there is little hope for HIV-positive people, an overwhelming majority of the Indian population still wrongly believes that there is a cure for AIDS, says a survey.
A global study conducted by the MAC AIDS Fund reveals that nearly 59 per cent of the interviewed people were living with a misconception that HIV/AIDS can be treated successfully.
The report said that 79 per cent of Indians understand that AIDS is always fatal, but 59 per cent still wrongly believe that there is a cure available on Tuesday.
"Indians rank HIV/AIDS as the most serious health problems facing their country, leading the next perceived issue (cancer) by 51 percentage points," the survey said.
Indians cite lack of access to information on HIV/AIDS and how it is contracted as the top issue contributing to the spread of the virus. Despite recent awareness campaigns on HIV and AIDS, people still remain uncertain of the facts and realities associated with the disease.
The study also revealed that 65 per cent reported stigma and shame to be major contributing factors and barriers in stemming the epidemic.
"People in India, more than nationals in any other country surveyed, are uncomfortable interacting on intimate levels with those who are HIV positive," the report said.
It observed that 44 per cent are not comfortable sharing the same physician as someone with HIV or AIDS, while 38 per cent reported that they feel uncomfortable working alongside a person with HIV/AIDS. Forty-one per cent also said that they did not want to live in the same house as someone who has the virus.
MAC AIDS Fund is a philanthropic arm of Estee Lauder-owned MAC Cosmetics.
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