Talking HIV

Stigma and discrimination are fueling the HIV epidemic in the Caribbean. In Jamaica, those living with HIV often face social isolation and harassment.

Stigma also stops at-risk people from seeking information on prevention and testing, altering their sexual behavior, and accessing counseling, support groups and treatment.

In this video, Kwame Dawes talks about HIV-related stigma with people living with the disease and those at risk of contracting HIV.

An extended essay by Kwame Dawes on HIV/AIDS in Jamaica is featured in the Spring 2008 issue of the Virginia Quarterly Review: www.vqronline.com

A synthesis of video, photographs, poetry and music, all inspired by Kwame's reporting in Jamaica, can be found on the interactive site: www.livehopelove.com

Credits:

Special Correspondent
Kwame Dawes

Co-Producers
Nathalie Applewhite
Stephen Sapienza

Videographers
Nathalie Applewhite
Doug Gritzmacher
Stephen Sapienza

Production Assistants
Janeen Heath
Chris Thompson
Glendon Asphal
Darren Scott

Produced by
Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• jamaica
• hiv
• aids
• kwame
• dawes
• stigma
• kingston
• poetry
• caribbean
• project
• report
• pulitzerr
• center

[maycala]

Most of the users onn "HIVlover, com' are not afraid to talk about their hiv. They want to find someone who wants to be with them regardless of hiv status.

[sewagedweller]

unless you really unliky , HIV is disease for idiots

[karateacting]

How can we have a society without discrimination when you read some of these comments? We are all as bad as each other, I hate this phrase 'the whiteman' or 'the blackman', will we ever be able to put a lid on the 'race thing'....the way things are going? probably not...as if we still give a damn whether the American president is Black or White!!...what are his policies and qualities as a human being is the point...ps I have great sympathy for HIV/AIDS sufferers

[4uWorship]

AIDS epidemic is the result of people choosing immoral lifestyle. People have a choice. AIDS will not be iradicated because people will not change their immoral living. Now it is an epidemic. The only cure for the AIDS virus is to turn away from their sinful-promiscuious lifestyle, and turn to God. When Jesus died on the cross, He took all of the sin and diseases of the world upon Him. Return to Jesus and you will be healed. To all of you with the Aids virus.

[MurderSoul216]

Agreed. My comment was geared towards his "Fact is that this disease is ripping the Black Community apart and we need to mindful of that." statement.

[normaj36]

theres alot of whites that have shitty morals also.

[MurderSoul216]

It's blacks fault for having shitty morals.

[MurderSoul216]

Discrimination? If our government would have been smart, we would have killed everyone with HIV. It would have been declared racist because mostly blacks and fags had it. Truth is not discrimination.

[Br0kenCl0ck]

You wouldn't live there.