The Global Partnership for Action to Eliminate All Forms of HIV-Related Stigma and Discrimination has 38 member nations. They have indicated their desire to join in order to expedite the elimination of stigmatizing and discriminatory practices, policies, and laws in the following six domains—community, health, justice, education, workplace, and emergency/humanitarian. The nations have prioritized and pledged to do so.
According to UNAIDS, nations from all around the world that have made significant progress toward eradicating prejudice are demonstrating what is achievable.
The following are recent developments achieved by members of the Global Partnership:
- To address the stigma and discrimination experienced by those living with and affected by HIV, the Ministry of Health in Iran released a bylaw. Consequently, a strategy was created to remove stigma and prejudice from health care settings in order to promote equitable access to HIV services, which includes fortifying the referral system.
- Effective collaboration between the government and the community in Ghana has made it possible for mothers living with HIV and those who care for infants and children exposed to the virus to receive focused interventions that promote their own and their children’s health and well-being. This has improved treatment compliance and care coordination.
- The law on the rights of those living with HIV/AIDS in the Central African Republic was updated with an emphasis on social protection, creating new avenues for individuals living with HIV to obtain improved support.
- In order to maintain a successful community-led initiative that provides shelter and support for HIV-positive women who have experienced violence, the Kazakh government has increased domestic funding.
- The National Law for Comprehensive Response to HIV, STIs, and Tuberculosis in Argentina mandates that medical care and treatment be given to all people without distinction.
- A nationwide code of conduct on HIV prevention and management in the workplace was adopted in Thailand, and the public and private sectors agreed to review HIV policies to ensure compliance with the new guidelines.
UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima stated, “The practical steps forward which have been taken by members of the Global Partnership provide hope through action. They demonstrate what is feasible. They demonstrate how safeguarding each person’s rights allows us to safeguard everyone’s health. Advances in human rights can propel efforts to eliminate AIDS.”
Also, the VIRUS OFF team would like to remind you that on 1 March, the World will celebrate the tenth anniversary of Zero Discrimination Day.