Reducing Stigma and Discrimination
Gaps in Research
- 1.
- Further interventions and research are needed to reduce stigma and discrimination against women, specifically, who are at high risk or living with HIV.
- 2.
- Judicial action, legislation, and training on legal rights can protect people living with HIV from discrimination.
- 3.
- Provision of ART can reduce stigma, but additional interventions are needed.
1. Further interventions are needed to reduce stigma and discrimination against women, specifically, who are at high risk or living with HIV. Studies found that women and girls are highly stigmatized if they test positive for HIV.
Back to Top2. Judicial action, legislation, and training on legal rights can protect people living with HIV from discrimination. Studies found that people reported being denied housing or being evicted for testing HIV-positive but that peer education on legal rights may increase protect people from discrimination.
Gap noted, for example, in Brazil (Dultra et al., 2008); and Ethiopia, Tanzania and Zambia (Nyblade et al., 2003).
Dultra, D., G. Santos, L. Seara, A. Miranda and A. Figuieredo. 2008. “The Particpation of Persons Living with HIV/AIDS in Educational Programs in Legal Matters – A Response to Stigma and Discrimination.” Abstract WEPE0931. XVII International AIDS Conference. Mexico City, Mexico. August 3-8.
3. Provision of ART can reduce stigma, but additional interventions are needed. Studies found that lack of knowledge of ARV treatment increased stigma, but that ARV treatment alone did not eliminate stigma and discrimination.
Gap noted, for example, in Thailand, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and South Africa (Genberg et al., 2008); and Tanzania (Roura et al., 2008).
Genberg, B., Z. Hlavka, K. Konda, D. Celentano and The Project Accept Study. 2008. “Knowledge of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) and HIV/AIDS-Related Stigma and Discrimination in Sub-Saharan Africa and Thailand.” Abstract THPE0750. XVII International AIDS Conference. Mexico City, Mexico. August 3-8.