July 21
July 21st marks Zero HIV Stigma Day, spearheading a movement and uniting people, communities, organizations, and entire countries to raise awareness and take action against HIV stigma, which reinforces and amplifies the HIV pandemic and related inequalities. While occasions such as World AIDS Day bring needed awareness to HIV in general, there has never been a global awareness day specifically to challenge the impact of stigma, which persists despite biomedical advancements in HIV prevention and care.
Zero HIV Stigma Day is a joint initiative of NAZExit Disclaimer and IAPAC,Exit Disclaimer in collaboration with the Global HIV Collaborative and Fast-Track Cities Institute. HIV stigma refers to irrational or negative attitudes, behaviors, and judgments towards people living with or at risk of HIV.
This day represents a movement to unite people, communities, and countries to help raise awareness about HIV stigma and learn about ways to help stop it. This observance is also in honor of Prudence Mabele, the first Black South African woman to publicly share her HIV status.
This year’s theme, “Beyond Labels: Redefining HIV Narratives,” seeks to reshape perceptions, inspire empathy, and drive collective action toward a world free from HIV-related stigma. By amplifying diverse voices and stories, this day strives to create a more compassionate and inclusive society for all.
Events
JoinExit Disclaimer the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Minority Health (OMH) and Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy (OIDP) on the “Breaking Barriers: Innovations to Reduce HIV Stigma” webinar on July 18th at 2PM EST. Read our recent blog to learn more.
Resources
Read more about HIV stigma and how you can stand up to HIV-related stigma here. Additional resources through The Center for HIV Law and Policy can be found hereExit Disclaimer.
The Human Rights Campaign officially declared a state of emergency for LGBTQI+ Americans. You can read more here.Exit Disclaimer
Let’s Stop HIV Together (Together) provides additional support here so you know what to do when you witness HIV stigma.
You can access IAPAC’s toolkit hereExit Disclaimer, which includes infographics, logos, sample social media posts, and other useful information.
The HIV Caucus is dedicated to the vision of a country and world where people living with HIV have what they need to live and thrive. Learn more here.Exit Disclaimer
Watch this short video about HIV stigma:
Share These Images with These Links
The image of the woman is of Prudence Mabele, the first Black South African woman to publicly share her HIV status. The awareness day is also on her birthday, July 21.
Find HIV Testing and Other Services
The HIV Testing & Care Services Locator contains information about PrEP and STI services. Embed the Locator in your site to connect your audience with these services and testing, housing, and mental health services, too.
Visit https://gettested.cdc.gov/.
Learn More About HIV
Know the basics about HIV.
Get the latest HIV data by visiting CDC’s HIV Statistics Center.
Learn about the National HIV/AIDS Strategy and Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S.
Get Federal Resources
Visit CDC’s Let’s Stop HIV Together campaign to learn more about and help stop HIV stigma. Get and share posters, banners, videos and more.
CDC’s Let’s Stop HIV Together (Together) campaign is the national campaign of the Ending the HIV Epidemic in the U.S. (EHE) initiative and the National HIV/AIDS Strategy. Together is an evidence-based campaign created in English and Spanish. It aims to empower communities, partners, and health care providers to reduce HIV stigma and promote HIV testing, prevention, and treatment.
Use Social Media
Follow @HIVgovExit Disclaimer and use #ZEROHIVSTIGMA.
Use this social media toolkit to promote awareness of and help stop HIV stigma. Access copy for Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram posts, including posters, and videos.