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People Living with HIV leading anti-discriminatory responses:

The experiences from The Zambian Network of PLHIV (NZP+)

Kenly Sikwese, NZP+ UNAIDS PCB

Geneva, 23 June 2010

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Evidence gathering methodologies for advocacy by and for PLHIV

• The PLHIV Stigma Index

• The Human rights count!

• Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights - focusing on adolescents living with HIV

• The GIPA Report Card,

• The Global Criminalisation Scan

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Overall findings

• 4 of 5 PLHIV experience stigma and discrimination from others

• Internalized stigma ‘afflicts’ 9 out of 10 Zambian PLHIV

• Workplace is one of the main settings where human rights violations, stigma and discrimination against PLHIV occur

• SRHR of adolescents living with HIV are not well served, and face high levels of stigma (service providers and community)

• Greater Involvement of People Living with HIV (GIPA) is hampered by stigma and low skills levels of PLHIV

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Why these finding both confirm and surprise us Results are nothing new – but the extent and depth and breadth was a big surprise • Generalized epidemic has not lead to a normalization in the way PLHIV are treated or feel

• Extreme incidence of both external (80%) and internal (91%) stigma – with higher incidence in rural areas

• PLHIV with tertiary or higher education experience high levels of stigma and discrimination (entering workforce?)

• Between 60% (urban) and 90% (rural) excluded from religious activities in the last 12 months due to HIV status

• People older than 50

• Denial to formal education lowest reported stigma

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Rights here! Right Now!

• 48% who reported as having experienced stigma did not know where to go to get help

• Low level of awareness on support – human rights organisations, police, social services and legal protection, UN or CSOs working to support PLHIV, including the networks of PLHIV.

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• Stigma reduction programmes, including rural areas• Stigma reduction strategies for

•health care providers•the place of work – from policy to action•places of worship

EMPOWERMENT OF PLHIV!• Self esteem and self-worth, quality of life• Leading the response and effecting change

Rights here! Right Now!

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Thank you to all the PLHIV who shared their stories