Statistics speak for themselves: stigma and discrimination related to HIV threaten the lives of millions. A study conducted among more than 30,000 people living with HIV in 25 countries shows that stigma and discrimination remain serious barriers to accessing healthcare, preserving dignity, and realizing human rights.
According to the Global Report on the Stigma of People Living with HIV (Stigma Index 2.0), nearly 25% of respondents reported instances of societal stigma, including manifestations in medical institutions, which undermines trust and access to necessary services. Moreover, 85% of people with HIV face internal stigma, leading them to hide their status or discontinue treatment due to fear of rejection and judgment.
Statistics Confirm the Problems
According to UNAIDS, one in four people has faced discrimination when seeking medical care for reasons unrelated to HIV. Healthcare institutions, which should be safe places for treatment, become sources of fear and rejection.- 24% faced discrimination in society over the past year: verbal abuse and exclusion from social life are everyday realities.
- 38% feel shame due to their HIV-positive status: internal stigma isolates people and hinders them from receiving support.
- 85% encounter various forms of internalized stigma: from hiding their status to feelings of inadequacy — the psychological burden is immense.
- affect HIV testing;
- create barriers to accessing preventive services;
- limit access to treatment;
- drive people away from healthcare facilities;
- violate fundamental rights;
- exacerbate the AIDS epidemic.
Elimination of Discriminatory Norms
- Countries should review their laws and abolish those that discriminate against and harm people with HIV and those at risk, including laws criminalizing sex work, drug use, same-sex relationships, and non-disclosure of HIV status, as these hinder access to medical services.
- ensure confidentiality;
- train healthcare workers and implement a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination;
- cease the practice of mandatory HIV testing;
- provide quality and compassionate care for all.
- debunk myths and misinformation about HIV;
- promote U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable);
- facilitate education and awareness-raising;
- strengthen empathy and understanding.
- fund organizations led by people with HIV;
- ensure their participation in policy-making;
- strengthen mutual aid networks;
- protect the right of communities to lead responses to HIV.
The photo on the main page is illustrative: picture alliance / Xinhua News Agency.
