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Addressing stigma and discrimination in India - International HIV/AIDS Alliance

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In India, stigma and fear is preventing people from participating in HIV programmes. HIV and sexually transmitted infections are not being discussed, and symptoms are being dismissed. Alliance organisations are tackling the barriers that stigma and discrimination present to programme work at multiple levels. One of the ways that Alliance organisations in India have been addressing the issue is to integrate HIV and stigma reduction work into broader activities – such as sexual and reproductive health, which is seen as more acceptable. Activities that address stigma and discrimination are also a key enabler for other programming work. In Manipur, SASO has been integrating HIV activities into community meetings, creating safe spaces for support meetings, peer-led activities and condom distribution, and working directly with people to raise awareness of stigma. Although the work is having a positive impact, SASO is more than aware of how much more needs to be done. In Delhi, MAMTA is working directly with both service providers and communities. People with and affected by HIV are supported to share their experiences and communities are being provided with information about how HIV is and isn’t transmitted. Activities in Andhra Pradesh include working with police authorities – with impressive results. The police have endorsed the outreach work of groups key to the epidemic in the region, and have requested awareness training, which is now being delivered. Activities are also being tailored at all levels to address the issue of stigma and discrimination – from working with the media, to providing one-on-one counselling to prevent the self-stigmatisation of people with HIV.

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