Stigma remains one of the biggest barriers to healthcare access both in Nigeria and the rest of Africa. It leaves individuals isolated and vulnerable. People suffering from medical conditions like cancer or mental health disorders carry heavy social judgment, making it difficult for them to seek help.

February, being cancer awareness month, serves as a crucial reminder of the misconceptions that fuel this stigma. Some people are misinformed and have this misconception that cancer is contagious, leading to heartbreaking situations where patients are avoided by even their closest friends, caregivers, and family members. 

Similarly, those battling depression or anxiety often face dismissive attitudes, being told to “snap out of it” rather than receiving the support and understanding they need. Health stigma takes various forms, impacting how individuals are perceived, how they view themselves, and how institutions respond to them. One specific type of health stigma is public stigma, which arises when society holds negative attitudes toward individuals with a health condition. Some people believe that people with mental health conditions are unreliable and dangerous, while some see that cancer patients must have done something to “deserve” their affliction. Self-stigma happens when people start believing the negative things society says about their condition.

 Instead of seeking support, they feel ashamed of their condition and withdraw from support systems. For instance, you see some cancer patients going through chemotherapy, and they might decide to keep their treatment a secret because they don’t want others to pity them or treat them differently. Another form of stigma is the structural stigma, which exists within policies or institutional practices and creates obstacles for people with certain health conditions. Some health insurance plans offer limited coverage for cancer treatments, making it harder for patients to afford the care they need. This reinforces the idea that some illnesses are prioritised over others, adding to the challenges cancer patients already face.

The fear of stigma often prevents individuals from discussing their symptoms with those around them or accessing resources, which, in the long run, worsens their condition over time. Addressing health stigma is a matter of changing perceptions and a public health necessity. One of the strategies to fight stigma is through the use of strategic communication.

Public health awareness campaigns have proven to be effective in combating health stigma by raising awareness, dispelling myths, changing attitudes, and promoting understanding to end stigma in the community. For example, educating communities that cancer is not contagious can reduce fear-driven stigma. Challenging this harmful stereotype plays a role in reducing stigma. Respectful language matters, too; describing someone as “a person with schizophrenia” rather than “a schizophrenic” reinforces that a diagnosis does not define an individual.

Personal testimonies have a powerful impact. When individuals openly share their experiences with health conditions, they humanise the issue and encourage others to seek help without fear of judgment. Cancer survivors who speak about their journey help normalize discussions around the disease, while those living with mental health challenges can show those going through similar ailments that treatment works.

The media, on the other hand, is responsible for shaping public attitudes. How health issues are portrayed in the news, movies, and social media influences how society perceives them. Avoiding sensationalism and highlighting stories of resilience and recovery can help break down stigma.

Barriers to healthcare access remain, particularly for stigmatised conditions despite increased awareness. Addressing these challenges requires intentional efforts at multiple levels. In many communities, stigma is reinforced by cultural beliefs. In some parts of Nigeria, for instance, some individuals perceive cancer as a spiritual punishment or attack, making people reluctant to seek medical treatment immediately but go through it through spiritual warfare. Others believe that mental illness is caused by supernatural forces, leading them to rely on traditional healers rather than professional care.

Health communication must be tailored to these cultural contexts, ensuring that messages resonate with diverse populations. 

Healthcare professionals must also be equipped to address stigma within medical settings. Some patients hesitate to disclose their symptoms because they fear being judged by doctors or nurses. Clinics and hospitals should also create safe spaces where people can access care discreetly, reducing the fear of being seen by others. Breaking the cycle of stigma requires a collective effort. From individuals challenging biases in everyday conversations to institutions implementing policies that protect patients’ dignity, every action counts. Health conditions should not define or isolate those who experience them. Through informed discussions, compassionate support, and responsible media representation, society can create an environment where individuals feel empowered to seek care without fear or shame.

 

Adesola Oyawoye, a communications and media specialist wrote from Abuja