PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV ARE…tackling stigma and discrimination!

Solid evidence of stigma and discrimination, where it occurs and how it is manifested

Georgina CaswellGNP+

AIDS2012, Washington DC

About the PLHIV Stigma Index

• Tool to measure stigma and discrimination as experienced by PLHIV

• To date more than 36 countries have implemented the PLHIV Stigma Index

• Contributes to understanding of the extent and forms of stigma and discrimination

• Developed by GNP+, ICW, IPPF and UNAIDS• Questionnaire and user guide• Empowering process for PLHIV as interviewers and

interviewees in the study

Experience of countries

Source: Alliance for Microbicide Development

Columbia

Zambia

Nepal

Ukraine

Colombia

1,000 respondents

– 32.7% excluded from family activities– 26.8% physically assaulted– 29% denied health services– 10% lost a job due to HIV– 19.6% feel suicidal

Nepal

848 respondents

– 7.4% excluded from family activities– 3.4% physically assaulted– 7.3% denied health services– 11.7% lost a job due to HIV– 15.3% feel suicidal

Zambia

854 respondents

– 27.4% excluded from family activities– 35.7% physically assaulted– 8.4% denied health services– 39.3% lost a job due to HIV– 12.1% feel suicidal

Ukraine

1,500 respondents

– 7% excluded from family activities– 15% physically assaulted– 20% denied health services– 5% lost a job due to HIV– 8% feel suicidal

Behind the numbers

• Individual stories of personal frustration and difficulties within the family, communities, in the workplace and in the healthcare setting

• Impact of stigma at community and national level:– Affects quality of HIV care by family members and

friends– Affects access to services– Affects someone’s ability and willingness to start

treatment, continue taking their treatment and stay connected with clinics

Why is evidence important?

• To direct programmes• To influence policy• To inform funding priorities

Ultimately – to build a supportive environment and to ensure people living with HIV have the services and support they need for positive health, dignity and prevention.

Thanks to

People living with HIV who were part of the studies – for their time and for sharing their stories.

The national networks of PLHIV, which led and coordinated the studies.

The other international agencies supporting the implementation of the PLHIV Stigma Index,

including ICW Global, IPPF and UNAIDS.

Thank you for listening!

www.stigmaindex.org