Empowering Communities: UNDIP Students Lead Effort to Combat HIV Stigma in Tembalang
Semarang, Indonesia (October 2, 2023) - Students from Diponegoro University’s (UNDIP) Faculty of Public Health are spearheading a community-driven initiative to reduce the stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS in Tembalang Village. Through a “transfer learning” program, the student association STOPHIVA, part of the PPK Ormawa team, has empowered local residents to become advocates for understanding and support.
The program centers around the Tembalang Village AIDS Concerned Citizens (WPA), a group of trained volunteers who are going door-to-door to educate their neighbors about HIV/AIDS. This peer-to-peer approach leverages the existing knowledge of residents who have already received training, allowing them to share accurate information and dispel common misconceptions.
“We recognized a significant need to address the negative stigma faced by people living with HIV (PLHIV) in our community,” explained a representative from STOPHIVA. “Many PLHIV experience discrimination, and it’s crucial to emphasize that HIV is not always contracted through risky behaviors. Support,not judgment,is what’s needed.”
The WPA volunteers are delivering information on HIV transmission, prevention methods, and debunking myths in a relaxed and interactive format, fostering open discussions within the community. Mrs. Sumini, Chair of RW 7 and an active WPA member, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “I’m happy to participate and share knowledge with residents. Hopefully, the community will be more open and willing to help each other, recognizing our shared humanity.”
The initiative has already reached at least 50 families in Tembalang Village, fostering a more caring and informed community. STOPHIVA aims to expand the WPA network to other sub-districts, building a broader coalition of informed citizens dedicated to creating a stigma-free environment for PLHIV.
This effort directly supports the united Nations Sustainable Growth Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). The program demonstrates a commitment to building a more inclusive and healthy society, starting at the grassroots level – by residents, for residents – and transforming Tembalang into a community defined by empathy and understanding.
