Dominican Republic: Understanding HIV stigma and discrimination

In 2009 Profamilia and Redovih y Asolsida led a study using the People Living with HIV Stigma Index, to discover the type of stigma and discrimination faced by people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the Dominican Republic. There were a number of interesting results:

Almost one in four respondents reported that their rights as PLHIV have been violated. Most common forms of discrimination were verbal aggression, emotional violence, verbal and physical threats, harassment and exclusion from family activities. One in ten of those interviewed had been refused a job and eight per cent had been refused health services. In general women were more affected by these forms of discrimination than men.

Violence against women living with HIV was extremely common. Thirty-four percent of the women had been pushed, shoved or had something thrown at them, and eleven per cent had been threatened with a weapon.

Thirty per cent of the women and seventeen per cent of men had been advised against having children. Twenty per cent of women had been forcibly sterilized.

The research was an empowering experience for many of those interviewed as well as the interviewers. The interview process helped the interviewees identify experiences of discrimination and violence that they had not realized before. It also enabled the provision of education, counselling and service referrals where necessary.

The results of the study are an important tool for advocacy, development of public policies and programs. Dulce Almonte, Redovih’s president said:

“The Stigma Index is a base to fight and demand our rights, to participate in meetings regarding national plans and present proposals, raise our voices regarding the high incidence of stigma and discrimination at the workplace, socially and especially in the health sector.”

All those involved in the study agree that the results achieved constitute invaluable tools to address stigma and discrimination against PLHIV, especially against women. One interviewee summed this up perfectly:

“I really like it that this study was about discrimination, as, being HIV-positive, this I what I have lived with most.”

This is one of the twenty-four, real-life stories highlighting how IPPF's work is having a real impact in the lives of people around the world. 'In A Life' is available at: http://www.ippf.org/en/Resources/Reports-reviews/In+a+life+2010.htm

Annie Lennox asks HIV to become part of our ‘common language’, at launch of photography exhibition

A new photographic exhibition ‘Exposures: lives lived in the shadows and light of an epidemic’ was opened this week at the Embassy of Japan in London.

The exhibition was opened by H.E. Ambassador Shin Ebihara and Annie Lennox, HIV campaigner, founder of the SING campaign and singer/songwriter.

It showcases the work of the IPPF Japan Trust Fund for HIV and AIDS, and some of the many lives it has touched. The exhibition marks the tenth anniversary of the IPPF Japan Trust Fund.

The IPPF Japan Trust Fund is a partnership between the Government of Japan and the International Planned Parenthood Federation. Established in 2000, the Japan Trust Fund has been a pioneering programme that has actively provided some of the most stigmatised and marginalised communities around the world with essential services.

Ten years on, IPPF Member Associations in Africa, Asia and the Middle East have implemented more than 110 Japan Trust Fund projects in 40 countries. The breadth and scope of their work is evident in its reach and the array of project highlighted in “Exposures”, including: 

• Supporting women engaged in sex work to access HIV and sexual health services and stand up for their rights in the conflict prone districts of Nepal
• Ensuring that package of workplace HIV services are available for construction workers and surrounding communities during the construction of the second Mekong International Bridge on the border of Laos and Thailand
• Working with organizations of people living with HIV in Cameroon, to secure their right to have a family and prevent mother to child transmission of HIV
• Meeting the sexual and reproductive health needs of people who use drugs, and their sexual partners, in Nagaland, India
• Increasing access to integrated HIV and sexual and reproductive health services for returning refugees in Rwanda, and addressing gender-based violence within these communities

H.E. Ambassador Shin Ebihara, said: “Japan is committed to helping achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Last week at the United Nations, Prime Minister Kan announced the new “Kan Commitment”, promising to provide 5 billion US dollars in health and 3.5 billion US dollars in education over the next five years. He also offered to host a MDGs follow-up conference in Japan next year.　Japan believes active collaboration with civil society is important in achieving the MDGs. It is therefore my sincere hope that today’s event will provide a good opportunity for strengthening our ties with the IPPF and civil society.”

Annie Lennox, said: “It is such a challenge to put a face to HIV – a virus that you can’t see and often goes unnoticed. The images in the photo exhibition show so many diverse people, from so many diverse places; Nagaland, Ethiopia, Palestine…. What combines their experiences is stigma. Even here in the West, in the UK, there is still such strong stigma. HIV needs to become part of our common language. 

"Real change is happening through initiatives like the ones showcased in this exhibition. What has been achieved by this partnership between the Government of Japan and the IPPF in 10 years has been amazing. And just imagine what can be achieved in the next 10 years. I am honoured to be part of it.”

Kevin Osborne, Senior Adviser HIV and AIDS at the International Planned Parenthood Federation, said: “Today, there are proven and compelling arguments supporting the linkages between HIV and sexual and reproductive health. But 10 years ago these arguments were not well understood or accepted. 

It is a sign of incredible foresight that, in 2000, the Government of Japan supported IPPF to integrate HIV services into our sexual and reproductive health programmes. The images and stories highlighted in ‘Exposures’ illustrate the positive impact of the IPPF Japan Trust Fund for HIV and AIDS on the lives of many on the margins of society. It provides a compelling argument for scaling up our joint efforts.”

'Exposures: lives lived in the shadows and light of an epidemic' can be viewed until 12 October 2010 at the Embassy of Japan, 101 – 104 Piccadilly, London W1J 7JT.

For further information please contact Paul Bell at IPPF on: 44 (0) 207 939 8233 or pbell@ippf.org

For more information on the SING campaign please visit www.annielennoxsing.com