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To get tested or not: A project to reduce stigma around COVID-19 and HIV testing in Indonesia

14 Dec 2020

To get tested or not: A project to reduce stigma around COVID-19 and HIV testing in Indonesia

Project leader: Mrs. Najmah Usman

Level of education and university: Master, The University of Melbourne

Collaborating Organisations: Lembaga Penelitian dan Pengabdian Universitas Sriwijaya (LPPM Unsri)

Project Location: Sumatera Selatan

Activity Type: Academic research and research-related activities

Sector: Public health

Project Rationale:

The proposed project is important because without regular testing, illnesses such as COVID-19 and HIV can spread unchecked through communities. But because of the stigma associated with getting tested, many people do not get tested (Najmah, Davies, Andajani, 2020)*. This project will address the issue of stigma associated with stopping people getting tested. It will do this in two ways: first by understanding how stigma plays a role in stopping people getting tested; and second by developing strategies that can be implemented to ensure that stigma does not prevent people getting tested for COVID-19, HIV or other diseases.

*Najmah, Davies &Andajani. 2020. Perceptions of and barriers to HIV testing among married women in Indonesia. Sexual and Reproductive Health Matters (in process)

Project Beneficiaries:

Women, particularly vulnerable and marginalised women, who are often least able to access testing for HIV and COVID-19 because of associated stigma.

Priority Development Area:

Human development for a productive and healthy society

Link with Australian organisation:

The Monash Herb Feith Indonesian Engagement Centre

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