ANTIGOS DILEMAS E VÍRUS NOVO: estigma em tempos do novo coronavírus

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to analyze the relationship between the new coronavirus and social stigma, its forms of manifestation, social implications, challenges and opportunities for Mozambican society as a whole. This reflection is based on readings of scientific articles, reports and journalistic articles, in addition to other thematically relevant materials, available on websites. Although we found that the manifestations of stigma, in times of COVID-19, started with antagonism towards specific groups (Chinese), in this reflection we found that the virus does not discriminate based on race, nationality, religion, education socioeconomic class. Social stigma must be seen as a crosscutting issue that can accompany the evolution and course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, we conclude that, as the virus spreads in Mozambique, it is important that society's actions, as a whole, take into account the issue of social stigma, seeking to quickly map, predict and monitor its effects and consequences. Pay attention to the manifestations of stigma and their implications is important to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 at individual, community and health structures, taking into account that, potentially, to avoid stigma, infected people can hide their state, do not show up at health facilities and continue to establish social contacts as if they were not infected.