Living with HIV in Dar es Salaam: The Hidden Struggles

In the bustling city of Dar es Salaam, living with HIV comes with a heavy burden. Stigma is a constant companion, making life harder for those affected. Between December 2021 and June 2022, a study shed light on how this stigma impacts their daily lives. The study involved 33 participants from Ilala Municipality. They shared their experiences in focus group discussions. The conversations were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed to understand the depth of the issue. Stigma affects people with HIV in three major ways. First, it takes a toll on their health. Many skip clinic appointments and struggle to take their medication regularly. This leads to weight loss and other health problems. Second, it weighs heavily on their mental and emotional well-being. Fear, stress, and depression are common. Families often face instability, and social interactions become limited. Even learning environments turn difficult. Lastly, stigma hits their pockets hard. Many lose jobs or are denied employment opportunities. Financial support dries up, making life even more challenging. To combat this, community education and awareness campaigns are crucial. Peer support groups and microeconomic initiatives can also make a difference. These steps can help reduce stigma and improve the quality of life for those living with HIV.