Strategies for the Control of Coronavirus Disease (COVID 19) and Production of Stigma: Case of the Health District of Cocody-Bingerville in Cote D’Ivoire

Abstract

In the history of the various (re) emerging diseases, it has been noted that the stigma of people tested positive has been produced. These negative attitudes and behaviors have been observed on all continents. Thus, the objective of this study was to establish a link between health response plans for coronavirus disease (covid 19) and the production of stigma. Indeed, declared a "public health emergency of international concern (USPPI)" by the World Health Organization (2020), covid-19 is characterized by a strong and rapid spread. To reduce this diffusion, health response plans have been implemented and supported by extensive communication campaign. However, in Cote d’Ivoire, the analysis of data from a literature review, interviews with 310 people using an electronic questionnaire and an interview guide with four health officials, showed that the different strategies adopted are fueling and reinforcing the fear of this disease and the death that can result from it. As a result, they have led to attitudes that reject and stigmatize positive people and their loved ones. As a result, like previous emerging diseases, covid-19 has achieved the same result in populations. Thus, we consider that the different strategies for responding to emerging diseases contribute in large part to the production of this social reaction, which is a legitimate response based on the survival instinct buried in each individual.