Behind Closed Doors: When Privacy Is a Matter of Life and Death
No matter how much we invest in medicine, technology, or infrastructure, health systems will fall short if people don’t feel safe and respected. Quality healthcare means treating the whole person — not just their condition. For people living with HIV, breaches of privacy, mistreatment, and lack of information aren’t just harmful — they can be life-threatening. These barriers are among the leading reasons patients discontinue antiretroviral treatment. Avelino’s story is a powerful reminder that delivering quality care requires more than clinical skill — it demands dignity.