Friday, July 21 is Zero HIV Stigma Day, a call-out for everyone to come along to the first ever Zero Stigma Rally at Jubilee Square, outside Brighton’s Jubilee Library.
HIV stigma still affects many people who are living with HIV, with almost 75% of people in the UK reporting experiences of discrimination.
Surveys show that people living with HIV still experience negative perceptions and reactions because of their HIV status in social, healthcare, workplace, and community settings; and HIV stigma can prevent people coming forward for testing and starting treatment.
It needs to be a whole community response to combat this! Understanding HIV and stigma is everyone’s responsibility, and we want to reach and involve as many people as possible to help achieve the goals of zero HIV stigma, and no new cases of HIV.
The UHSussex Brighton and Hove HIV Service, along with local authority and voluntary sector partners including Terrence Higgins Trust, Lunch Positive, Sussex Beacon, Radio Reverb‘s HIV Hour, Fast-Track Cities Brighton & Hove, Brighton & Hove City Council, Martin Fisher Foundation, the Ledward Centre and More to Me Than HIV, will host a solidarity event at Jubilee Square, Brighton.
The event will feature speakers, music, activities and community HIV testing, advice and support.
For more details of the event see https://themartinfisherfoundation.org/zero-hiv-stigma-day/