For more information on this session, including access to speaker presentations, please see the conference Programme-at-a-Glance.

HIV-related stigma and discrimination are widely recognized as key barriers to the use of HIV care, support, and treatment programs, thereby fueling the spread of HIV. The research has demonstrated that the experience and fear of stigma and discrimination can deter people from: seeking HIV testing; disclosing their HIV status; practicing prevention; accessing care; and adhering to treatment. Despite this, stigma and discrimination-reduction is not yet included as a fundamental part of national HIV responses. The scale-up of interventions to reduce stigma and discrimination is urgently needed to: improve access and retention in prevention, care and treatment programs; improve the lives of people living with and affected by HIV; uphold human rights; and maximize investments in prevention, care and treatment programs.

Welcome

• Diane Rausch, United States

Opening Remarks

• Laurel Sprague, United States
• Cheryl Smith, United States

Stigma and Discrimination Reduction is an essential part of combination prevention

• Stefan Barall, United States

Closing the gap between research and scale-up: the urgent need for implementation science and innovative methodologies

• James Blanchard, Canada

Stigma-reduction scale up: It can be done

• Laura Nyblade, United States

Leading the Way: Thailand’s HIV and AIDS Strategy 2012-2017

• Petchril Sirinirund, Thailand

The fatal intersection of criminalization, discrimination and stigma

• Susan Timberlake, Switzerland

A Call for action, engagement and funding

• Ron MacInnis, United States

 

Event Date

Jul 22, 2012