An overview of the events and activities IPPF have been involved in for World AIDS Day
The international theme for World AIDS Day 2009 is ‘Universal Access and Human Rights’.
IPPF are focussing on reducing HIV-related stigma and discrimination and the criminalization of HIV transmission.
1. Highlighting HIV-related stigma and discrimination in the UK
The initial findings of the UK rollout out of the People Living with HIV Stigma Index were presented at the Houses of Parliament in London on 30th November through the launch of 'Give Stigma the Index Finger!'.
The event discussed how this evidence can improve our collective efforts to address stigma and meet the treatment, care and support needs of people living with HIV in the UK.
It was chaired by David Borrow MP, Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on AIDS and the speakers included Annie Lennox, singer and founder of the SING Campaign, Professor Jane Anderson, Director: centre for the Study of Sexual Health and HIV, Homerton Hospital, and members of the Index community research team.
These findings will also be launched through events at the Town Hall in Manchester on 1st December and the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh on 2nd December.
Kevin Osborne, of the International Planned Parenthood Federation, said:
“It is time to Give Stigma the Index Finger! As an initiative by and for people living with HIV, this is research that can really make a difference.
Beyond the significant results, the spirit of the research team shows us how to listen to the people at the heart of the issue.
People living with HIV are telling us how stigma is affecting their lives today, pointing out the issues that need to be addressed, and suggesting how stigma can be tackled in a positive way.
More than 60% of the people who participated in the research said they feel they can influence positive change for the future—the same as the number of people who voted in the last election in this country.”
Annie Lennox said:
“I am delighted to be taking part in the launch of The People Living with HIV stigma Index here in the UK.
This initiative will become a significant tool to inform not only those who are personally or professionally involved with the challenges of HIV, but it will hopefully also help to influence change.
Stigma and discrimination still remain prevalent, and continue to be a massive obstacle, this will be a hugely significant first step.”
Secretary of State Andy Burnham said:
"I welcome this report. Effective treatments have transformed the lives of people with HIV and today many more people with HIV can plan for their future with more certainty. But even in the UK, individuals and families affected by HIV can experience stigma and discrimination.
"Tackling HIV stigma is everyone's business. Working with HIV voluntary organisations, we have funded work on tackling stigma as part of the national strategy for sexual health and HIV. We will carefully consider this report's findings."
Scottish Minister for Public Health and Sport Shona Robison said:
“I’m pleased to see the publication of the results of The People Living with HIV Stigma Index. One of the key aims of the HIV Action Plan in Scotland is to tackle the stigma and discrimination faced by people living with HIV. It is important to ensure that action taken to combat HIV be approached sensitively to avoid any increase in levels of stigma and the Index will provide us with the evidence needed to tackle this issue.”
Listen to a BBC radio interview about it
(Between 4.20-4.30pm on 1 December 2009).
Read the press release about the event
2. To act without prejudice
Kevin Osborne, our Senior HIV Advisor, was recently commissioned to write an article in the Catholics for Choice magazine ‘Conscience’.
The article, entitled ‘To act without prejudice’ looks at understanding HIV-related stigma and discrimination.
3. Body Positive Northwest
Kevin Osborne and Lucy Stackpool-Moore, our HIV officer for stigma and discrimination, have been commissioned to write articles for the Autumn edition of the Positive Living in the North West Magazine on HIV-related stigma and discrimination.
4. Criminalization campaign
To build on the work initiated in 2008 with the publication and launch of Verdict on a Virus and to add momentum to the growing international campaign against the
criminalization of HIV transmission.
Some IPPF Regional Offices and Member Associations will be holding events in their own country this World AIDS Day to raise awareness on the criminalization of HIV transmission.
CAMNAFAW, our Member Associationin Cameroon, is holding a national event with their partners to publicise the issue in Cameroon.
5. 10 reasons why criminalization harms women
Calling for rights-based approaches in the response to HIV and AIDS, the publication:
‘10 Reasons Why Criminalization of HIV Exposure or Transmission Harms Women’ clearly illustrates how criminalizing HIV exposure or transmission – far from providing justice for women – endangers and further oppresses women.
This document, with 21 original endorsing organizations from around the world including IPPF, affirms the protection and advancement of women’s rights as key for effective HIV and AIDS responses, and opposes laws that criminalize HIV exposure or transmission.
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World AIDS day featured profiles from the United Nations HIV positive staff group.