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What is HIV stigma?

Stigma and discrimination have been a worldwide response to HIV and AIDS since the syndrome was first identified. HIV stigma arises from:

• fear that HIV causes a life threatening illness

• a belief that people with HIV are responsible for having contracted HIV

• fear of contracting HIV

• misconceptions around routes of transmission

• a belief that having HIV is the result of promiscuous or deviant lifestyles

Stigma creates a deep feeling that other people do not respect you, is devaluing and leads to discrimination.

HIV stigma is compounded by prejudice against gay people and other groups who are disproportionately affected by HIV.