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t ackling stigma and discrimination!. Solid evidence of stigma and discrimination, where it occurs and how it is manifested. Georgina Caswell GNP+ AIDS2012, Washington DC. About the PLHIV Stigma Index. Tool to measure stigma and discrimination as experienced by PLHIV
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Solid evidence of stigma and discrimination, where it occurs and how it is manifested Georgina Caswell GNP+ AIDS2012, Washington DC
About the PLHIV Stigma Index • Tool to measure stigma and discrimination as experienced by PLHIV • To date more than 36 countries have implemented the PLHIV Stigma Index • Contributes to understanding of the extent and forms of stigma and discrimination • Developed by GNP+, ICW, IPPF and UNAIDS • Questionnaire and user guide • Empowering process for PLHIV as interviewers and interviewees in the study
Experience of countries Ukraine Nepal Columbia Zambia Source: Alliance for Microbicide Development
Colombia 1,000 respondents • 32.7% excluded from family activities • 26.8% physically assaulted • 29% denied health services • 10% lost a job due to HIV • 19.6% feel suicidal
Nepal 848 respondents • 7.4% excluded from family activities • 3.4% physically assaulted • 7.3% denied health services • 11.7% lost a job due to HIV • 15.3% feel suicidal
Zambia 854 respondents • 27.4% excluded from family activities • 35.7% physically assaulted • 8.4% denied health services • 39.3% lost a job due to HIV • 12.1% feel suicidal
Ukraine 1,500 respondents • 7% excluded from family activities • 15% physically assaulted • 20% denied health services • 5% lost a job due to HIV • 8% feel suicidal
Behind the numbers • Individual stories of personal frustration and difficulties within the family, communities, in the workplace and in the healthcare setting • Impact of stigma at community and national level: • Affects quality of HIV care by family members and friends • Affects access to services • Affects someone’s ability and willingness to start treatment, continue taking their treatment and stay connected with clinics
Why is evidence important? • To direct programmes • To influence policy • To inform funding priorities Ultimately – to build a supportive environment and to ensure people living with HIV have the services and support they need for positive health, dignity and prevention.
Thanks to People living with HIV who were part of the studies – for their time and for sharing their stories. The national networks of PLHIV, which led and coordinated the studies. The other international agencies supporting the implementation of the PLHIV Stigma Index, including ICW Global, IPPF and UNAIDS.
Thank you for listening! www.stigmaindex.org