What to know first
Understanding impact, respectful language and safer spaces
- Stigma can discourage people from testing, prevention and treatment.
- Use person-first language such as ‘person living with HIV.’
- Never disclose another person's HIV status without permission.
When we support people living with HIV, we are helping them lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. Everyone deserves acceptance, understanding, and appropriate care—no exceptions.
Reducing prejudice and ending stigma is a critical step toward empowering people with HIV to live with confidence and dignity. Simply listening with an open heart, speaking honestly, and standing beside them can be a powerful force that truly changes someone’s life.
What Is HIV Stigma?
HIV stigma refers to negative attitudes and beliefs about people living with HIV. It stems from prejudice, misinformation, and harmful stereotypes, often leading to the perception that people with HIV are part of a group that is “unacceptable” or morally inferior.
Examples of HIV stigma include:- Believing that HIV only affects “certain groups” of people
- Judging individuals for taking steps to prevent HIV, such as using PrEP or getting tested
- Thinking that someone who has HIV “deserves it” because of their personal choices
What Is Discrimination?
While stigma is rooted in beliefs and attitudes, discrimination refers to actions taken based on those beliefs. Discrimination occurs when a person living with HIV is treated unfairly or unequally because of their HIV status.
Examples of HIV-related discrimination include:
- Healthcare providers refusing to treat someone with HIV
- People avoiding physical contact or closeness with someone living with HIV
- Isolating or excluding someone from their community because of their status
- Using demeaning language like “AIDS people” or labeling them as “infected”
The Impact of Stigma and Discrimination
Stigma and discrimination can have serious effects on mental and emotional well-being. Many people internalize the negativity they experience, leading to what’s known as“internalized stigma” or “self-stigma.”
This happens when a person starts to believe and accept the harmful messages society tells them about living with HIV—seeing themselves in a negative light.
This can result in:
- Shame and fear of disclosing one’s HIV status
- Feelings of isolation, hopelessness, and low self-worth
- Avoiding HIV testing, care, or treatment due to fear of judgment
Understanding the consequences of stigma is the first step toward building a more inclusive and supportive society, where people living with HIV can manage their health with confidence and dignity.
How Can We Reduce HIV Stigma?
Speak Openly About HIV
Bringing HIV into everyday conversation helps normalize it, correct misconceptions, and create opportunities for education.
The way we talk about HIV and the people affected by it matters. We should use respectful, nonjudgmental language that upholds human dignity and avoids labels or blame.
Replace stigma with support
Small language choices affect a person's safety and dignity.
| Avoid | Prefer |
|---|---|
| AIDS victim / infected person | Person living with HIV |
| Dirty or dangerous behavior | Behavior that may increase exposure |
| Clean test | HIV-negative test result |
| Asking in public | Talk privately and ask permission first |
