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