Sikander Kalla

Clinical Psychologist Sikander Kalla chats to us about how one navigates through stigma and it’s associated stereotypes.

We unfortunately still live in an era of stigma and prejudices around certain illnesses, like mental health or HIV. HIV is a one of many medical conditions that carries a lot of stigma, normally as a result of there being a lack of knowledge about it. Sometimes moral judgments around how it could have been contracted could be made. HIV is mainly transmitted through sexual intercourse and can be linked to activities such as injecting drugs.

HIV-related stigmatisation  can affect both those infected or suspected of being infected by the virus.

We can all do our bit to help by getting the facts straight, sharing the facts with those around us, and raising awareness within our communities about the harmful effects of stigmatisation.

Instagram: @sikander_kalla