1. Gender Dimension of HIV related Stigma in Ethiopia
Wubayehu Guangul
Network of networks of Ethiopian Positives (NEP+)

2. Overview of the epidemic in Ethiopia
Total Population 73,918,505
HIV prevalence 2.3%
Male 1.8%
Female 2.8%
Urban 7.7%, (Male 6.2%; Female 9.2%)
Rural 0.9% (Male 0.7%; Female 1.1%)
According to EDHS surveillance survey 2010
Now thought to be closer to 1.2 million

3. People living with HIV ,116,216
Pregnant women living with HIV ,189
HIV+ births ,140
Children living with HIV ,945
Annual AIDS deaths ,751
The highest incidence age for women is years and men years

4. PLHIV Stigma Index Methodology
Data was collected in 2010, report published in 2011
The PLHIV Stigma Index questionnaire was used by PLHIV to collect quantitative data from 3353 PLHIV from all regions of the country.
In addition 30 focus group discussions were conducted with 240 PLHIV to collect qualitative data.

5. Partners involved WHO, FHAPCO, PLHIV Networks and Associations, UNAIDS Ethiopia, Tulane University, Christian Aid, EIFFDA, Consultants(Research partners), FGAE

6. Why gender?
Gender inequalities in Ethiopia are deep rooted and exacerbate HIV. As a result, women and girls living with HIV experience double stigma - HIV and gender.
We hope to unite gender, HIV  and stigma which are all part of the same
puzzle.

8. Key findings
Women living with HIV are at lower socio-economic status than men living with HIV (36 % 0f Women & 21%mem are getting monthly below14.8 USD.
Women are more likely disclose their status to family members (apart from their husbands) while men are more likely disclose their status to their wives/partners

9. 25% women are unemployed compared to 14% of men.
PLHIV have relatively better confidence in health personnel than any other group
Self-stigma, prevailed among both, however women blame others whilst men blame themselves.

10. Self Stigma amongst men and women in Ethiopia %

11. Health findings Males are more sexually active (61%) than women (39%)
PLHIV are denied family planning & SRH services because of their HIV status .
There is high level of mother to child transmission. (only 8% received PMTCT)
28% of PLHIV reported that they have a child / children known to be living with HIV

12. “We get free examination … but when we reach the pharmacy the pharmacist says to us the drug is not available if he/she sees we got examined for free.”
“the fact that our [medical] cards are different from the other patients is a stigma by itself.”

13. Gaps & Opportunities for to reduces stigma in health settings……
Educate Health Care Professionals
More access to PMTCT
Improve accessibility and affordability of health care
Ensure newly diagnosed are retained by health and support services
Need for stigma reduction and awareness activities in Ethiopia

14. Workplace findings
95% of females and 93% of males are below extreme poverty level
More women are unemployed are than men (25% vs. 14%).

15. Gaps & opportunities to reduce stigma in workplace settings....
Educate employers on what it means to empower PLHIV rather then marginalise them.
Develop Work Place Policies
Income generation programmes for PLHIV

16. Social findings
Women (71%) are more likely to be aware of being gossiped about compared to men (66%)
Education more than 75% of men had completed primary education whereas only 56% of women had.
Women experienced 2% more physical assault then men

17. Percent of respondents who reported physical assault by their relation to the assaulter and sex

18. Gaps & opportunities to reduce stigma in social settings……
Gender inequality must be considered in the HIV response.
There is a greater need to educate and raise awareness of HIV to increase understanding and therefore improve the situation of PLHIV in society.

19. Rights findings
A significant number of PLHIV have the awareness about Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS and the HIV/AIDS policy of Ethiopia.
17% PLHIV had experienced abuse of their rights because of their HIV status

20. Gaps & opportunities to improve the rights……
PLHIV need to learn more about their rights
There is need to provide legal support for the rights of PLHIV in Ethiopia
What about national legislation

21. Next Steps Strengthen the capacity of PLHIV & PLHIV organizations
Realizing GIPA at all level
Address gender inequality in HIV programming
Increase awareness level of PLHIV on their rights

23. For more information www.stigmaindex.org
Thank you