Ensuring non-discrimination in responses to HIVDocument: UNAIDS/PCB(26)/10.3

Bernhard Schwartlander

26th Meeting of the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board

Geneva, 23 June 2010

HIV-related stigma and discrimination – two interrelated concepts

Stigma Negative beliefs, feelings and attitudes

Reduced through engagement/empowerment of stigmatized groups; more detailed info about HIV; edutainment and media campaigns; community interaction and dialogue

Discrimination Unfair and unjust treatment (act or omission) Human rights violation

Reduced through law reform, enforcement of protective laws; training of health care workers, police, judges; educating people about their rights, and provision of legal services

Why do we need to address stigma and discrimination?

HIV-related stigma and discrimination

Have a harsh negative impact on the quality of life of the individual living with and affected by HIV

Seriously impedes the response to AIDS (uptake of HIV prevention, testing, and adherence to treatment, etc.)

Remain pervasive almost 30 years into the epidemic

Discrimination is a human rights violation

Commitments unfulfilled

In the Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS (2001) and the Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS (2006), govts committed to reduce stigma and discrimination and to create a legal and social environment safe for voluntary disclosure of HIV status

Yet Few National Strategic Plans have strategic and comprehensive

components addressing S&D Not a well recognized category for funding Punitive laws and law enforcement add to stigmatizing

environment and hinder access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support

But foundation for effective response exists We know the causes of S&D

lack of awareness of S&D and their consequences fear of HIV transmission social judgement and prejudice punitive laws, policies, institutions

We have evidence of effective programmes Know how to measure S&D and have tools to do so Have tools to address S & D Have active networks of people living with HIV and key populations

responding to S&D Have an agenda for legal reform

We know that S & D programmes are highly cost-effective

Effective programmatic responses to S & D

Operate at multiple levels:o Law and policy reformo Law enforcement (police, judges, lawyers)o Access to justice (legal services; legal literacy)o Institutions (health care, schools, workplaces, prisons, etc.)o Attitude change

Involve people living with HIV and key affected populations

Have sufficient support for at least 3-5 years

Are tailored to the context