Research clearly shows: stigma and discrimination related to HIV threaten lives. Data collected from over 30,000 people living with HIV in 25 countries confirms that stigma and discrimination remain major barriers to accessing healthcare, protecting dignity, and realizing human rights.
According to the Global Stigma Index Report, nearly 25% of people report experiencing stigma from society, including instances in healthcare settings where discrimination undermines trust and access to life-saving services. Furthermore, 85% of people living with HIV face internalized stigma, often leading to changes in behavior—many hide their HIV status or stop treatment due to fear of rejection and judgment.
The facts speak for themselves
According to UNAIDS, one in four people faces discrimination when seeking medical services for reasons unrelated to HIV: healthcare institutions that should provide care become sources of fear and rejection.- 24% experienced discrimination in the community in the past year: verbal abuse and social exclusion remain common.
- 38% feel shame due to their HIV-positive status: internal stigma isolates individuals and prevents them from receiving necessary help.
- 85% experience some form of internalized stigma: from hiding their status to feeling worthless—the psychological burden becomes unbearable.
- hinder HIV testing;
- impede access to preventive services, including pre-exposure prophylaxis;
- limit treatment options;
- deter people from healthcare facilities;
- violate fundamental human rights;
- worsen the AIDS epidemic.
Eliminate discriminatory norms
- Countries should review their policies and laws, repeal harmful norms affecting people living with HIV, including laws criminalizing sex work, drug use, same-sex relationships, and non-disclosure of HIV status, as they hinder access to medical services.
- guarantee confidentiality;
- train healthcare workers and implement zero tolerance policies for discrimination;
- cease mandatory HIV testing practices;
- provide quality and compassionate care for all.
- dispel 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 led 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.
