IAS announces 2024 Me and My Healthcare Provider Campaign Champions to honour outstanding stigma-free services

Africa Science News

Brazil, Hong Kong, Mexico, Taiwan and Türkiye were countries that produced this year’s the International AIDS Society 18 Me and My Healthcare Provider Champions for the tireless efforts of frontline healthcare service navigating the challenges of stigma and discrimination and provide high-quality HIV prevention, treatment and care to key populations.

Despite a decrease in new acquisition rates, stigma and discrimination remain significant challenges in HIV care. According to the People Living with HIV Stigma Index 2.0 Global Report 2023, while 93.5% of respondents were receiving HIV treatment, a majority reported experiencing internalized stigma associated with their HIV status.

Additionally, 3% of respondents faced stigma and discrimination from health facility staff and 27% interrupted or stopped their HIV treatment. These findings indicate that we are far from achieving the Global AIDS Strategy’s target of reducing stigma and discrimination to below 10% by 2025 and highlight the need for collaborative action to establish stigma-free HIV care environments globally.

Since 2021, the Me and My Healthcare Provider Campaign, supported by Gilead Sciences, has been running in Brazil, Hong Kong, Mexico and Taiwan in partnership with Gilead and local partners, GESTOS – HIV, Communication and Gender, Hong Kong AIDS Foundation, Inspira Cambio A.C, Taiwan AIDS Foundation, and Pozitif-iz Association Türkiye. This year, marking its third year of collaboration, the campaign has expanded to Türkiye, signifying a crucial milestone in the global response against HIV-related stigma and discrimination. This expansion underscores our unwavering commitment to promoting health system sustainability and advancing people-centred care at a global level.

Driven by key populations affected by HIV, the Me and My Healthcare Provider Campaign serves as a platform to honour the contributions of healthcare providers who have positively influenced their lives. It goes beyond recognizing the dedication and passion of the frontline workers; it also encourages replication and empowers others to confront and challenge the stigma that continues to hinder progress in the HIV response.

“Addressing HIV-related stigma is a crucial part of creating a world in which HIV no longer presents a threat to public health and individual well-being,” Birgit Poniatowski, IAS Executive Director said. “Our MMHCP Champions and like-minded partners are paving the way towards that goal. They are fostering equitable access to care and empowering people living with HIV to seek support and treatment without fear of discrimination – ensuring that everyone can enjoy their rights to health and well-being.”

“Gilead is committed to creating a healthier world for all people – no matter where they live or who they are. A key component to achieving this vision is putting people at the centre of everything we do to help reduce barriers to care, including stigma and discrimination. We are proud to support this year’s MMHCP Champions who share our vision and work passionately every day to improve health in their communities,” Janet Dorling, Gilead Senior Vice President, Intercontinental Region and Gilead Patient Solutions, said.

 

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