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 Shedding light on HIV stigma and discriminationA report from the XVI International AIDS Conference,
Toronto, Canada – August 2006
This publication, written by a small team of dedicated Key Correspondents from a range of developed and developing countries, provides an overview of presentations and discussions around HIV-related stigma at the International AIDS Conference in 2006. It provides a unique snapshot of the current state of HIV stigma, and forms part of what must be a robust, committed and tireless fight against the most damaging phenomenon of the HIV epidemic.
 Key findings and recommendations on the nature and impact of HIV/AIDS-related stigma
This primer provides a brief overview of the discussions that took place as part of the HIV Stigma Project and sets out a definitive position with specific recommendations about how, based on the evidence from the eForum, HIV stigma can be tackled. This report adds richness and vitality, for it is derived from a range of experts, commentators and people living with HIV/AIDS, and hopefully enables fresh insights into what is proving to be the most intractable feature of the HIV epidemic.
The primer includes numerous supporting statements from key stakeholders and contributors.
Living on the Outside is a summary and synthesis of four individual publications on HIV-related stigma:
The Correspondent Dialogues 12 (Vol. III): Stigma, HIV/AIDS and Disclosure
 Disclosure is one of the most traumatic and important factors impacting on the quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS (PWHA). Although disclosure can help to dispel the stigma associated with HIV, without adequate counselling, social support, and improved access to health care and medical treatment, it is difficult to encourage.
This document draws on the eForum discussions on stigma, HIVAIDS and disclosure, reflecting the major themes highlighted in the contributions, raising specific points of concern and offering key recommendations
 HIV-related stigma exists in workplaces across the globe and there were several accounts of serious workplace discrimination and violations of employees’ rights. It is not possible to deal with HIV-related stigma until we understand it; education per se may not change attitudes. Because HIV-positive people often live on the margins of poverty, having a job is extremely important, allowing them to eat nutritiously, pay for health care and live longer. Living with HIV therefore means one is more susceptible to loss of livelihood.
Most people saw the solutions to AIDS-related stigma in the workplace to be a combination of developing sound policies and practices that ensure workers have information and access to care, promoting sound legislation that protects workers rights, and developing strong partnerships between private and public sectors that include HIV-positive people.
This publication provides a summary of the main points outlined in the discussions on HIV-related stigma and discrimination in the workplace and institutions, highlighting specific points of concern and making key recommendations.
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