During the last half-century, many international declarations have proclaimed health care to be a fundamental human right. Yet, a human rights approach to health and HIV is still a long way off. The very principles of human rights, including bodily integrity, informed consent and freedom from coercion, should guide policy development and practice. Addressing risk and vulnerability to ill-health also requires spotlighting the inequalities – social, economic, and political – that drive the epidemic. For AIDS to be truly over, efforts need to be refocused on both actively promoting and vigorously defending human rights, equality and social justice.
1. Stand up to HIV-related stigma
Stigma attaches itself not only to individuals but also to specific social contexts, and can be linked to HIV status, sexual orientation, gender, race and/or religion. HIV-related stigma continues to hinder the uptake of essential prevention, treatment and care services. Stigma often reinforces power inequalities between providers and clients, contributes towards social marginalization, and is one of the most pervasive structural drivers of vulnerability to HIV.
IPPF established IPPF+ in 2008 as part of our HIV Workplace Policy to connect staff and volunteers living with HIV across the Federation, and ensure supportive and stigma-free work environments.
2. Neutralize gender inequalities
Gender dynamics can both cause and counteract the structural drivers for HIV and the power inequalities in which HIV transmission thrives. Globally, women and girls make up more than half of all people living with HIV. Increasing recognition is now given to the different rights-based family planning and sexual health needs of men and boys (including men who have sex with men), as well as recognizing the crucial role they play as partners. Transgender people are often disproportionately affected by HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and should be part of the global conversation on issues related to the gender dimensions of the epidemic.
IPPF implements projects that support empowerment for women and girls and safeguards family planning choices for all men and women, regardless of HIV status, age or sexual orientation. We provide services to men and boys in their own right, to protect their sexual health and rights, and also engage men as partners.
3. Catalyze supportive livelihoods for all
Poverty is a root cause of ill-health leading to a lack of access to the means to sustain life and services needed to maintain good health. Ensuring people - especially young women and girls - are economically empowered and have livelihoods that allow choice, dignity and the means to live a fulfilling life are key priorities for action.
IPPF purposefully facilitates and links income generating opportunities for young women and girls and their families in economically marginalized communities and invests in capacity development and peer-counselling opportunities for people living with HIV as part of our SRH response.
Download the AIDS 2012 issue of the IPPF HIV Update newsletter:http://www.ippf.org/resources/publications/HIV-Update-newsletter
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