#ZeroHIVStigmaDay: July 21, 2024
“Beyond Labels” Theme Calls for Re-Defining HIV Narratives
WASHINGTON, DC, USA; LONDON, UK; AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS (July 3, 2024) – The second global Zero HIV Stigma Day will be commemorated July 21, 2024. The day aims to unite people, communities, and entire countries to raise awareness about and act against HIV stigma, which both violates human rights and jeopardizes efforts to end the global HIV epidemic. This year’s theme, “Beyond Labels,” calls for re-defining the HIV narratives to reshape perceptions, inspire empathy, and drive collective action towards a world free of HIV stigma.
Zero HIV Stigma Day is coordinated by a consortium of multisector organizations, including IAPAC, NAZ Project London, GNP+, and the Global HIV Collaborative. July 21st was chosen to honor Prudence Nobantu Mabele (July 21, 1971 – July 21, 2017), the first woman in South Africa to disclose her HIV status in 1992. She was an activist who set a precedent for all people living with HIV to disclose and discuss their status with loved ones without shame, to seek treatment and care, and to lead happy and fulfilled lives.
“For Zero HIV Stigma Day 2024, we are embracing the ‘Beyond Labels’ theme, celebrating the diverse tapestry of individuals who make up the HIV community, and dismantling the stereotypes that perpetuate stigma, said IAPAC President/CEO José M. Zuniga, PhD, MPH. “Let’s unite to create a world where everyone is seen beyond their HIV status, treated with the dignity they deserve as human beings, and able to realize the human right to health well-being.”
“Proud partners of Zero HIV Stigma Day 2024, NAZ joins forces with activists globally to challenge stigmatizing structures and attitudes. HIV stigma may try to shame, control, and silence but ultimately hope, love, and connection is more powerful,” said Parminder Sekhon, CEO of NAZ Project London. “This year’s theme of living ‘Beyond Labels’ and redefining HIV narratives celebrates the capacity of the human spirit to succeed and thrive.”
“HIV stigma continues to put people living with HIV at greater risk of discrimination, violence, and marginalization, preventing them from accessing treatment and health services,” said Sbongile Nkosi and Florence Riako Anam, GNP+’s Co-Executive Directors. “The Global PLHIV Stigma Index report released in December 2023 shows just how significant the impact of self-stigma is to our mental health and lives. All of us have a responsibility to educate and change the narrative about HIV and ensure a stigma-free environment for all PLHIV to thrive and live quality lives.”
Please access the campaign’s brand and social media toolkit: https://bit.ly/3W41a0U
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About IAPAC
Representing 30,000 members, IAPAC is the largest association of clinicians and allied health professionals working to end the epidemics of HIV and tuberculosis, as well as eliminate HBV and HCV, by 2030. IAPAC is also a core technical partner to the Fast-Track Cities network. For more information about IAPAC, please visit: https://www.iapac.org/
About NAZ Project London
NAZ Project London is a global majority-led HIV and sexual health agency with over 30 years grassroots experience of delivering HIV care and support and evidenced-based sexual health programs to Black and Brown and racialized communities. Its mission is to achieve true parity in sexual health outcomes for all Global Majority communities living with and at elevated risk of HIV. For more information about NAZ, please visit: https://www.naz.org.uk/
About GNP+
GNP+’s mission is to provide global leadership and advocate for improvements to the quality of life for all people living with HIV, in support of a vision of a world where every person living with HIV enjoys their right to a healthy and dignified life, free from stigma and discrimination. For more information about GNP+, please visit: https://gnpplus.net/
About the Global HIV Collaborative
The Global HIV Collaborative (GHC) is a partnership of strategic global leaders and activists that strives to improve the HIV outcomes for Black communities globally. GHC works to address the current global trajectory of HIV outcomes in Black populations and seeks to prioritize the persistent issue of unequal HIV outcomes rooted in ethnic disparities. For more information about GHC, please visit: https://hiv-collaborative.org/
Contacts:
IAPAC:
Kalvin Pugh
Senior Advisor on Community Engagement
NAZ Project London:
Christina Ganotakis
Senior Policy Officer
GNP+:
Lesego Tlhwale
Communications & Campaign Manager
