What to know first
Responding to stigma and protecting rights
- Correct misinformation with facts without escalating risk.
- Support confidentiality, rights and equal access to services.
- Document incidents and seek appropriate support when needed.
You might wonder how we can address something as complex as HIV-related stigma. But the truth is, small actions—especially when done consistently—can have a profound impact. If each of us starts by changing attitudes within our families and communities, we can help end HIV stigma and contribute to stopping the spread of the virus.
A Guide to Using Stigma-Free Language
Words matter more than we often realize. The way we speak about HIV can either empower or harm— especially for people living with HIV or those at higher risk.
Some phrases—even when well-intended—can carry negative connotations, reinforce stereotypes, or discourage people from seeking care. We all have a role to play in promoting dignity and respect through the language we use.
Start by using supportive, inclusive, and non-stigmatizing language.
When talking about HIV, consider these principles:
- Use language that is accurate and respectful, not shaming or judgmental
- Avoid words that imply blame, fear, or moral failure
- Speak in ways that uplift, not isolate—especially when referring to people living with HIV
Recommended Language for Talking About HIV
Using the right words can reduce stigma and promote respect. Below is a guide to terms to avoid and preferred alternatives, along with the reasons behind them:
| Avoid Saying | Say Instead | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| AIDS (when referring to the virus) | HIV | AIDS is not a virus. It’s a condition that occurs when the immune system is weakened due to HIV. |
| Infected with AIDS | Living with HIV or HIV-positive | AIDS cannot be “caught”; only HIV is transmissible. |
| HIV patient | People living with HIV | The word “patient” implies constant illness, though many people with HIV are healthy. |
| HIV people, AIDS people | People living with HIV | This puts the person first, not their diagnosis or status. |
How can a team put respectful language into practice?
Choose one thing your team actually uses: an intake form, a post or a welcome message. Read it from the service user's perspective. Replace wording that blames someone or reduces them to a test result with a clear description of the service or need. Agree on examples your team can reuse. This makes the language guide part of everyday work instead of a statement that nobody applies.
What if I have already used hurtful wording?
Offer a brief apology, correct the wording and listen without asking the person to prove why it was hurtful. For published material, fix the original and explain the correction. Do not use someone's HIV status or private experience as an example without permission. If you need to respond to an incident in the moment, the scenarios guide offers practical conversation examples.
From incident to action
Prioritize the affected person's safety over confrontation.
| Situation | Response |
|---|---|
| Misinformation | Ask for the source and offer facts from health authorities |
| Mockery | Ask for it to stop and name the harm |
| Status disclosure | Stop sharing and support the person whose information was exposed |
| Service denial | Keep records and seek rights-based advice |