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Abstract
Health and treatment seeking behaviour among Hijras
Y. Singh, Y. Singh
Issues: The objectives of the study were to identify health and treatment seeking behavior of Hijra community and to integrate right based approach in their prevention programs in Delhi. Hijras identify themselves as neither man nor woman. They always cross dress and hence are extremely marginalized. Hijras do not get access to the government medical facilities. Under present laws becoming hijra is illegal. Most of the hijras are sex workers. Thus marginalization resulting from social attitude and legal framework makes hijras an extremely vulnerable population in the context of HIV and AIDS.
Description: This study was done in Delhi and involved 5 focus group discussions and 30 qualitative interviews. Two case studies were identified. The sample of stakeholders for qualitative interviews included 5 doctors, 5 community healers, 5 policemen, 5 religious leaders, 5 community leaders, 5 area in-charge personnel and 20 community members.
Lessons learned: The major findings of the reports are as follows:
1. Hijras are being denied admissions in the government hospitals because they are not considered to be worth living.
2. Doctors feel hijras are a “nuisance” and their admissions would be resisted by the mainstream.
3. Police believe that hijras are criminals under existing laws and have no right to coexist with the mainstream.
4. Due to discrimination, hijras seek medical support from “quacks”. Also, they do not get access to information on HIV and AIDS.
Next steps:
1. Major stakeholders need to be provided sensitization trainings on the issues of sexuality and gender as a part of their curriculum.
2. Law enforcement agencies need to understand the implications of certain provisions in the laws and make self initiated changes in the same.
3. Hijra community should be aware of their rights and realize that their health is too precious to be treated by quacks.
AIDS 2008 - XVII International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
MOAX0203
Suggested Citation
"Y.Singh, et al.
Health and treatment seeking behaviour among Hijras.
Oral Abstract Session:
AIDS 2008 - XVII International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
MOAX0203"
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