Statistical data confirms: stigma and discrimination related to HIV threaten lives. Studies conducted among more than 30,000 people with HIV in 25 countries show that stigma and discrimination continue to be serious barriers to accessing medical care, protecting dignity, and upholding human rights.
According to the Global Stigma Index Report for People with HIV (Stigma Index 2.0), nearly 25% of respondents reported experiences of stigma, including discrimination in medical facilities, which undermines trust and access to necessary services. Moreover, 85% of people with HIV face internal stigma, leading to changes in their behavior—many have to hide their status or stop treatment due to fear of rejection and judgment.
The Unpleasant Truth in Numbers
UNAIDS reports that one in four people has faced discrimination when seeking medical care for reasons unrelated to HIV: healthcare facilities, intended to provide help, become sources of fear and rejection.- 24% experienced discrimination in society over the past year: verbal abuse and exclusion from social and family circles remain common practices.
- 38% feel shame due to their HIV-positive status: internal stigma isolates individuals and hinders access to necessary support.
- 85% face various forms of internalized stigma: from hiding their status to feeling "worthless"—the psychological burden is immense.
- hinder HIV testing;
- impede access to preventive services, including medications;
- limit access to treatment;
- deter people from healthcare facilities;
- violate their fundamental rights;
- support the spread of the AIDS epidemic.
Eliminate Discriminatory Laws
- Countries should review their policies and repeal laws that discriminate against, criminalize, and harm people living with HIV and those at risk, including laws related to sex work, drug use, same-sex relationships, and non-disclosure of HIV status, as they 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 the concept of U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable);
- support educational initiatives and awareness-raising;
- strengthen empathy and understanding.
- fund organizations created by people living with HIV;
- ensure their active participation in policy-making;
- strengthen mutual aid networks;
- protect the right of communities to lead HIV response efforts.
Photo on the main page is illustrative: picture alliance / Xinhua News Agency.
