The People Living with HIV Stigma Index

On the eve of World AIDS Day, Annie Lennox and the APPG partnered with the ‘People Living with HIV Stigma Index’ to launch a ground breaking report of HIV stigma in the UK.

At an event packed with people who could speak from personal experience of living with HIV, we heard stories about the impact of stigma on them today in the UK. The research team identified the major issues that came up in their research:

•     One in five had reported being denied a service because of their HIV status.
•     18% said their NHS records had not been kept confidential.
•     The findings were not all bad however. More than 60% of the people who participated in the research in the UK said they feel they can influence positive change for the future

An article on the Stigma Index appeared in the Observer on 29th November. For the full findings of this fascinating report, “Give Stigma the Index Finger!”, are available to download.

Speaking before the event David Borrow MP, Chair of the APPG said:

‘The NHS must lead the way in tackling stigma. Discrimination on the grounds of a health condition is totally unacceptable anywhere, but public servants have a special responsibility to treat all the people they serve with respect.”

Annie Lennox said:

“I am delighted to be taking part in the launch of The People Living with HIV stigma Index here in the UK. This initiative will become a significant tool to inform not only those who are personally or professionally involved with the challenges of HIV, but it will hopefully also help to influence change.

Stigma and discrimination still remain prevalent, and continue to be a massive obstacle, this will be a hugely significant first step.”