A campaign called “General Public” against the stigmatization of people living with HIV will be launched on the occasion of World AIDS Day, on December 1st.
In France, more than 7 in 10 HIV-positive people have experienced some form of stigma related to their HIV status in the past 12 months, according to the Positive Perspectives survey for ViiV Healthcare. An important result at a time when stigmatization and discrimination are likely to slow down or hinder the steps towards prevention, screening or access to care. Raising awareness contributes to better care and the eradication of the HIV epidemic.
36% of HIV-positive people ready to disclose their disease
If HIV has now become a less visible disease and which arouses less fear, concerns related to the fear of contamination persist, especially as they affect the affective and intimate sphere.
In the Positive Perspectives survey, people living with HIV shared the stigma they face and their experiences of their disease. Only 36% of those questioned say they are open “to the idea of disclosing their HIV status in general” and 21% “would talk about it” if the question were put to them directly.
Fighting prejudice
Nearly one in three respondents (30%) think “that better training for health professionals could also help to fight” against discrimination. Finally, 70% believe that such an awareness campaign can promote the fight against stigmatization.
In a press release, ViiV Healthcare notes that “false beliefs about the modes of transmission persist and come to maintain prejudices and irrational fears around HIV patients. Stigma and discrimination are born in these beliefs; sensitizing the greatest number appears therefore very important in the fight against HIV in parallel with prevention and screening approaches.”
A video, a communication kit and radio spots
The objective of this campaign is thus to combat certain prejudices that persist around this disease in order to change the perception of patients. It will be articulated around a message: “HIV is not transmitted by gestures of daily life.” A hashtag will also be launched on social networks: #stopprejugesVIH.
In support, a video depicting gestures of daily life will be put online. It will make it possible to show with humor certain prejudices prevailing on HIV contamination. “Communication kits on HIV-related stigma containing posters, flyers, brochure on HIV and stigma figures in 2018, will be made available in the regions”, specifies the press release. “Finally, the message will be supported by radio spots.”
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