Despite progress in many aspects of the response to HIV, HIV related stigma and violations of human rights persist in undermining the effectiveness of prevention, treatment, care and support services for people living with or most vulnerable to HIV. This is particularly important for key populations (sex workers, men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs and transgender people) who often experience increased and compounded stigma, whether internalized, in community or healthcare settings. Innovative ways to reduce stigma need to be found and researchers, activists and healthcare workers have a key role to play in making a tangible difference.

This workshop, aimed at healthcare providers, researchers, key populations and community advocates, gives an opportunity to discuss hot topics around stigma, explore the science of stigma and best practice examples from healthcare providers providing stigma free services. Examples will be shared by health care providers on enabling access to quality and comprehensive HIV and other services, and becoming “defenders” of human rights. The workshop will assist in better understanding the realities of people living with HIV, and specifically key populations and how to integrate these realities into more effective and stigma free approaches.

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