Session 2: Panel Discussion - Can Status Neutral Approach Reduce Stigma?

Description
- Presenters:
Rosaline M’Bayo - Afrikaherz, Germany
Garry Brough - Positively UK, United Kingdom
Eli Fitzgerald - CHIVA / Positively UK, United Kingdom
Georg Behrens - Hannover Medical School, Germany
Alastair Hudson - HIV Scotland, United Kingdom
- Presented in Session 2: Can Status Neutral Approach Reduce Stigma?

- European Stigma & Discrimination Forum 2022

The European Stigma & Discrimination Forum 2022 took place on 22 October as a hybrid meeting.

As shown by the significant and increasing reports of cities and countries achieving the 90-90-90 targets and beyond for the majority, HIV-1 is now a treatable. In the past few years, there have been advances not only in the efficacy of medication but as importantly, improvements in their toxicity profile and ease of administration, leading to greater adherence overall resulting in positive long-term results.

However, large groups of individuals either still remain undiagnosed, or are diagnosed but do not seek care. Indeed, undiagnosed individuals form the greatest gap in our 90-90-90 targets. For there to be further improvements in our cascades of care, it is essential that these groups are targeted.

But why does this happen?
Undoubtedly, this issue has much to do with fear. Particularly the fear of testing, receiving a positive diagnosis and attending an HIV center, and the subsequent discrimination which either does or is perceived to occur.
Such fears result in unnecessary morbidity and mortality, particularly due to late diagnosis, along with an increased risk of transmission within the population.

Change is coming!
We are, however, striving to make a change and there are success stories!
Come and hear how you can challenge and be part of the solution to stigma and discrimination. Listen to stories of both success and failure from our experienced faculty.
The triumph of HIV treatment can only truly begin when we can succeed in improving testing and linkage to care. We are all beholden to take part in this challenge.