PEOPLE testing positive with COVID-19 are stigmatised because of misinformation and lack of education about the virus, says Diabetes Fiji Inc. project manager Viliame Qio.
“The stigma that surrounds with those testing positive with the virus comes with the transmission of the virus so if people are more educated on how to prevent the transmission we won’t get the stigmatised beliefs that is in the societies,” he said.
He said people should not be stigmatised because of the conditions they have.
“One of the important things is that we understand them, they have their rights also, they have rights to access everything, the health, education and privacy so they should not be stigmatised because of their condition whereby the best thing is to practise distribution of verified information.
He said lack of understanding about the virus among people caused the increase in misinformation and stigmatisation of people testing positive.
“We have witnessed on social media, how people testing with Covid-19 are treated and stigmatised so we have identified the issues and areas that people face.
“So the lack of understanding of people of what COVID-19 is, has largely contributed towards the increase in stigma surrounding people testing positive.”
He said the organisation aimed to use the $5000 grant given by USAid and International Republican Institute to create awareness on misinformation and hate speech.
“We aim to identify misinformation and disinformation related with COVID-19 and correct it by creating short video on awareness and interview video with World Health Organization and Ministry of Health and Medical Services.
“We also aim to conduct awareness outreaches to the at risk communities that may suffer from stigma and conduct a one-day training or virtual; meeting to civil society leaders, faith-based organisations and corporate occupational health and safety officers.”
