New Delhi: In a startling study, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has found that as high as 70 per cent of people suffering from Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in several parts of the country face discrimination from society and it is the family which is the most discriminating of all.

The study, 'Socio Economic Impact of HIV/AIDS on People Living with HIV/AIDS and their Families', released in New Delhi on October 14 covered 292 people living with HIV/AIDS in Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Manipur and Maharashtra.

"As many as 70 per cent of the respondents reported that they faced discrimination," the study, released by additional secretary in the Ministry of Labour, Baleshwar Rai, said.

Women face more discrimination, with 74 per cent of them saying they were discriminated against in comparison to 68 per cent men, it said.

The study reported maximum discrimination within the family – 33.3 per cent people reported this kind of discrimination – followed by health care settings (32.5 per cent). Over 18 per cent people faced discrimination from their neighbours and nine per cent from educational institutes, relatives and community at large, according to an ILO release.

The disease has made a serious dent on the finances of those affected, with average monthly income of such families being Rs 1,117 in contrast to the average monthly expenditure of Rs 3,185, the study said.

PTI