Stigma and Discrimination
HIV discrimination is now illegal, yet it still exists. Ignorance about how HIV is transmitted as well as homophobia, racism and xenophobia combine to make HIV an extremely stigmatised condition. Although the law does offer useful protection from HIV-related discrimination, in some areas current legislation is inadequate to fully protect the rights of people living with HIV.
People living with HIV often experience prejudice and discrimination at their place of work, in healthcare settings, in the media and among friends and relatives.
Diana, Princess of Wales was one of the first public figures to challenge misconceptions about HIV. As patron of the National AIDS Trust, Diana was committed to raising the profile of HIV and challenging stigma. Today, NAT continues its work to increase public awareness and understanding and to ensure people living with HIV are treated with justice, dignity and respect. Our work is only possible because of the generosity of our supporters. To help continue this work and keep Diana's legacy alive you can make a donation.
NAT aims to eradicate HIV stigma and discrimination by:
Campaigning for better legal protection against HIV-related discrimination.
- Find out more about our work on discrimination, the law and human rights here.
Challenging national policies that discriminate against people affected by HIV.
- Find out about our campaign to ensure everyone in the UK who needs it has free treatment here.
Developing resources to advice on how to overcome stigma and discrimination in all settings.
- Read resources for employers and employees, for schools and teachers, health workers, prison officers and those in the asylum process.
Monitoring public attitudes towards HIV and developing awareness campaigns and materials that change people's attitudes and behaviour.
Proactively tackling stigma and discrimination whenever it occurs in the media.
- Find out about Press Gang, a group of people who tackle stigmatising media reports. Email press@nat.org.uk for more information. Read our Guidelines for Reporting HIV here.
If you have experienced discrimination as a result of your HIV status, tell us about your experiences here and help us to ensure that this does not happen to others.
We are still a long way from eradicating discrimination and NAT's work with opinion formers and decision-makers to bring an end to national policies and laws that fuel stigma and influence attitudes is more important than ever.
Our work is only possible because of the generosity of our supporters. Make a donation here.
