International AIDS Society - Stigma & Discrimination

Now 14702 members from 198 countries |

Stigma & Discrimination

International HIV experts widely recognize that the stigma and subsequent discrimination directed toward people living with and affected by HIV are fueling the epidemic. Numerous studies have identified stigma as a key barrier to HIV testing and counseling, sero-status disclosure, prevention of mother-to-child transmission services and timely entry into care, all of which have potentially devastating consequences on the health and wellbeing of individuals and the public. Yet, action to reduce stigma and discrimination on the scale needed to curb the pandemic is lacking. Leadership and vision are needed to ensure that efforts to reduce stigma and discrimination are priorities on the agendas of donors and implementers alike.

A solid foundation for global action exists. We know a great deal about the causes of stigma and discrimination, how to address these causes and how to measure the effectiveness of stigma-reduction interventions over time. Research, programming, advocacy and donor efforts have led to pilot interventions that are reducing stigma and discrimination around the world.

IAS Conferences

International AIDS Conferences have been a gathering point for experts from all scientific disciplines to research and analyze best approaches to addressing HIV stigma. You can see a collection of research on HIV and stigma from AIDS 2008 and IAS 2009 here.

HIV-specific entry and residence restrictions

The International AIDS Society’s commitment to reducing stigma has also focused on some of the structural and policy issues that institutionalize HIV stigma. One of the more aggregious examples of this is countries who refuse entry and residence to people solely on HIV status. You can learn more about HIV-specific travel and residence restrictions at www.hivrestrictions.org and you can read about the IAS policy on these restrictions here. In 2008, IAS served as Secretrariat to the UNAIDS-led International Task Team on HIV-related Travel Restrictions. You can learn more about the work of the Task Team here.

Campaigns

IAS works in collaboration with partners to raise awareness of HIV stigma around the world.

View IAS & AIDES Campaign against stigma and discrimination.