1. Stigma and Discrimination

2. What is HIV/AIDS-related stigma? Devalues persons living with, or who are presumed to be living with, HIV/AIDS, as well as the individuals, groups and communities with which they are associated. Devalues persons living with, or who are presumed to be living with, HIV/AIDS, as well as the individuals, groups and communities with which they are associated.

3. What is HIV/AIDS Discrimination? HIV-related discrimination refers to actions HIV-related discrimination refers to actions that result from stigma. Discrimination occurs when a distinction is made against a person because Discrimination occurs when a distinction is made against a person because – of his or her (actual or presumed) HIV status, or – because the person is seen to belong to a particular group (SW, MSM or IDUs). Such actions result in the person being treated unfairly and against Human Rights Such actions result in the person being treated unfairly and against Human Rights

4. What are the reasons? Association of HIV/AIDS with Association of HIV/AIDS with  Sex  disease  death  behaviors that may be illegal, forbidden or taboo, such as –pre- and extramarital sex, SW, MSM, IDUs, –Existing prejudices –Fear of getting the infection –Lack of Knowledge on the dynamics of the infection –Lack of treatment –Lack of laws related to PLHA

5. What are the effects of Stigma & Discrimination? Can lead to feelings of shame, depression, withdrawal, worthlessness and guilt. Can lead to feelings of shame, depression, withdrawal, worthlessness and guilt. Silence individuals and communities Silence individuals and communities –Decrease their strength and increase their vulnerability. Isolate people and deprive them of care and support, thereby worsening the impact of infection. Isolate people and deprive them of care and support, thereby worsening the impact of infection.