Zié Adama Ouattara*, Kouamé Aristide Brou, Lorraine Nadia Kouadio and Koffi Célestin N’dri
In Côte d’Ivoire, as in many other parts of the world, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) people in general, and transgender people in particular, face enormous difficulties in accessing care. They are victims of their social identity and are stigmatized and marginalized from the health care system. In most public health structures, their medical care is problematic due to the reluctance of health care providers. We are witnessing less responsible attitudes among some caregivers in public health sector. According to the literature, LGBT people are vulnerable to several diseases, including HIV/AIDS. As such, they require specific health care. This situation experienced by LGBT people constitutes a denial of the right to health and of medical ethics. Indeed, health is a universal right that advocates equal access to health care. As for medical ethics, it requires caregivers to have a humanitarian duty, probity, loyalty and respect for human life. Thus, regardless of the patient’s status, social identity, the caregiver’s vocation and duty is to administrate the necessary care, while respecting professional secrecy. Between law, ethics and attitudes, this socio-anthropological research conducted among caregivers and transgender people in particular, proposes to understand this paradox, this contradiction that results in Côte d’Ivoire. In other words, it analyzes the attitudes of caregivers in the medical care of transgender people in a context of universality of health, right to health and ethical principles governing the medical profession in Côte d’Ivoire Bouake.
Published Date: 2022-08-29; Received Date: 2022-08-01
