Why STIGMA must DIE

The success of HIV therapy has unfortunately been accompanied by new discrimination. People with HIV are more visible at work and therefore more vulnerable to

discrimination there. Meanwhile, some groups such as asylum claimants find it difficult to get HIV treatment at all.
The National Sexual Health and HIV Strategy identified the need to tackle HIV stigma. But the problem with the government’s approach is that stigma and discrimination (and by extension human rights) are not at the strategy’s heart. Solely focused on health, it has so far failed to engage the other government departments whose policies impact directly on people with HIV.
We need more than a Sexual Health Strategy; we need a national action plan on HIV stigma and discrimination. Its recommendations should include:
l New anti-discrimination legislation. From the start we need to make sure that discrimination on the basis of HIV status is covered from the moment of diagnosis, not just when someone gets sick. Legislation is also urgently needed to protect gay men. These anti-discrimination measures need to be combined into a Single Equality Act, which would set out in one place the rights of individuals and the duties of employers, public bodies and the providers of goods and services.

Education. Education is a key component in any strategy to reduce or prevent stigma and discrimination against people with HIV. The Government is currently funding NAT to undertake its national campaign to challenge HIV prejudice. But to be effective it needs to be done in concert with other educational strategies. People living with HIV report that a high proportion of discrimination occurs in a healthcare setting. Education of non-HIV specialist health care workers is a priority. Educational programmes need to be supported by efforts with particular communities or populations. This might include schools, faith communities or the workplace.

Public and political leadership. Opinion makers and people with influence play a critical part in affecting public attitudes. We need to mobilise such individuals publicly to support people living with HIV and oppose the stigma against HIV. This could play a vital part in changing public

attitudes.