From screen to stigma: The real cost of outing PLHIV

THE EDITOR, Madam:

There have been reports of social media pages publishing photographs, names, and identifying information of people living with HIV (PLHIV), as well as persons perceived to be living with HIV, which demand urgent attention.

A person’s HIV status is not gossip, entertainment, or content for engagement. Whether a person’s status is confirmed or assumed, publicly outing and humiliating individuals can have devastating consequences. The harm does not disappear when a post is deleted. Exposure can lead to family rejection, broken relationships, workplace discrimination, harassment, emotional distress, and even threats to personal safety.

More troublingly, this behaviour threatens Jamaica’s HIV response. According to the Ministry of Health and Wellness, as of July 2025, Jamaica had an estimated 28,000 PLHIV, approximately 26,500 (95 per cent) of whom had been diagnosed. Yet, only 14,930 (56 per cent) of those diagnosed were retained in care, while 81% of those receiving treatment had achieved viral suppression. Retention in care means continuing regular healthcare and treatment without interruption and is among the most pressing challenges facing Jamaica’s HIV response.

When nearly half of diagnosed PLHIV are not retained in care, actions that fuel stigma, fear, and mistrust cannot be taken lightly. Publicly exposing or speculating about someone’s HIV status may create further barriers to accessing and remaining connected to lifesaving treatment and care. We call on the government and relevant authorities to strengthen responses to breaches of confidentiality, online harassment, and HIV-related discrimination and ensure accessible avenues for reporting and redress. Social media platforms must also act swiftly against harmful content targeting people, based on real or perceived HIV status.

The Jamaican Network of Seropositives (JN+) unequivocally condemns the outing, bullying, harassment, discrimination, and mistreatment of PLHIV. No diagnosis, real or assumed, justifies stripping someone of privacy, dignity, or humanity.

We appeal to everyone: do not repost, screenshot, or forward it. Report it. Behind every photograph, name or allegation is a human being. Jamaica must choose compassion over cruelty and human rights over stigma. HIV status should never be a weapon. Confidentiality and dignity are rights. PLHIV deserve to live without fear.

OMAR MORGAN

Policy and Advocacy Officer

Jamaican Network of

Seropositives (JN+)