Gareth Thomas
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex
Ian Green, CEO, Terrence Higgins Trust, Tackle HIV’s charity partner.
Tackle HIV Survey results1
HIV stigma is where people with HIV are seen in a negative way
Myths around HIV mean people are still misinformed and as a result make moral judgements about people living with HIV – this causes stigma. Stigma is rooted in fear of HIV, lack of understanding of HIV, particularly around transmission, and what it is like to live with it.2
People living with HIV can experience stigma at work, in their relationships, with family and friends, in the community and even in healthcare settings3,4 Stigma leads to discrimination where people living with HIV are treated negatively because of their HIV status.2 They may face hostility, physical or verbal abuse, or being avoided or excluded.3
People living with HIV may also suffer from self-stigma, where the stigma they experience externally causes them to judge themselves, the consequences of which can be profound.2
Stigma can have a devastating effect on people living with HIV, on their mental wellbeing, quality of life and also their physical health – stigma may prevent people from disclosing their status or getting treatment.2,5
A fear of this stigma and resulting discrimination can also stop people from getting tested, undermining the efforts that are being made to control HIV.5
Science has enabled incredible advances in treating HIV but without addressing HIV-related stigma and discrimination, the world will not achieve the goal of ending HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.5
References