Responding to Systemic Discrimination

We monitor and respond to systemic discrimination.

Monitoring HIV-related stigma and discrimination, raising awareness about their impact and utilising this knowledge to inform education and advocacy efforts is essential in combating the epidemic. It is important that programmes incorporate a systematic approach to documenting and analysing people's experiences of stigma and discrimination and their efforts to respond to discrimination, in order to understand:

  • the nature of stigma and discrimination within a given context, and
  • the experiences of individuals and communities of using anti-discrimination complaint mechanisms, other legislatively-based complaint mechanisms and informal strategies for addressing discrimination.

Relevant research, including data derived from monitoring the experiences of stigma and discrimination of PLHIV and affected communities, can be used to:

  • identify systemic discrimination in particular settings, such as health care, employment, education and prisons
  • identify specific institutions that promote stigmatisation of PLHIV and affected communities, such as police services, immigration authorities, military services, and the media
  • prioritise and inform targeted advocacy and education initiatives in settings where discrimination is common, and
  • inform advocacy efforts to reform laws and policies that stigmatise PLHIV and affected communities.

For example, where widespread discrimination in healthcare settings occurs, priority could be given to advocating for the development and implementation of HIV policies and practices that prevent discrimination, including effective procedures to ensure that:

  • confidentiality is protected
  • testing is voluntary and supported by pre- and post-test counselling
  • informed consent is given to testing and treatment
  • universal infection control is applied
  • staff are trained to support implementation of anti-discrimination policies in practice, and
  • complaint mechanisms are available and accessible to address discrimination when it occurs.