Respond to post below: The topic of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a

Respond to post below:
The topic of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a very difficult and complex subject that has been widely debated since its’ onset. Today, it is still a major public health concern, affecting 38 million people as of 2019 and claiming 35 million lives worldwide (Izudi et al., 2021). HIV disclosure involves informing others about one’s HIV+ status by the people themselves, or by a third party. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the disclose of HIV status to sexual partners, family members, and those in their social circle because it increases their chances of accessing treatment, living a healthier lifestyle, and helps with prevention (Thapa et al., 2018). However, there is often a stigma with HIV+ positive people. This often involves the devaluation of people living with this because it is perceived as a contagious and dangerous disease (Thapa et al., 2018). In addition, disclosure can have serious consequences, such as the loss of family and friends, denial from health care, and dismissal from school or jobs (Thapa et al., 2018). Several states also have criminalized HIV exposure; however, many state laws are outdated and do not reflect the current understanding of HIV (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2022). In 10 states of the U.S., there are laws that require people with HIV to disclose their status to their sex partners. I agree with this law. Considering that HIV can be transmitted during sexual acts, it should be disclosed at least to those that could potentially contract this, such as a sexual partner. Also, they should inform their healthcare provider, because this gives the provider a better understanding of their health history. For other people, friends, family, and coworkers, it is not necessary to do so. However, if more people would disclose it could help to bring more awareness of HIV and help to lower the stigma associated with it. As a healthcare provider we have an obligation to uphold HIPPA privacy, so we are not able to disclose one’s HIV status. However, many states require providers to report certain infections, such as HIV for tracing and demographic purposes, which is appropriate. Considering that there are significant advancements to treat and prevent HIV transmission, we must reevaluate whether this is a major public health concern as it once was. Nevertheless, we must honor the individual’s right to medical confidentiality.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). HIV and STD criminalization laws. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/policies/law/states/exposure.html
Izudi, J., Okoboi, S., Lwevola, P., Kadengye, D., & Bajunirwe, F. (2021). Effect of disclosure of HIV status on patient representation and adherence to clinic visits in eastern Uganda: A propensity-score matched analysis. PLOS One, 16(10), 1-14. e0258745. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0258745
Thapa, S., Hannes, K., Buve, A., Bhattarai, S., & Mathei, C. (2018). Theorizing the complexity of HIV disclosure in vulnerable populations: A grounded theory study. BMC Public Health, 18(162), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-018-5073-x