M∙A∙C AIDS FUND (U.K.): THE IMPACT OF STIGMA AND SHAME ON HIV/AIDS PREVENTION, CARE AND TREATMENT
In September 2007, the M∙A∙C AIDS Fund undertook a Global Public Opinion Audit aimed at: comparing perceptions of and attitudes about HIV/AIDS and the impact of the disease across countries; gauging perceptions (or misperceptions) about those most likely to be impacted by the disease; assessing attitudes toward those who have contracted the disease; and examining hurdles to stopping its spread. The survey took place in nine countries (Brazil, China, France, India, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, U.S., and U.K.) and included more than 4,500 interviews.
Eighty-six percent of respondents reported that they believed that shame and stigma around HIV/AIDS kept people from talking about and addressing the disease. Respondents saw this as a major contributing factor to the spread of the virus.
These findings have been buttressed by a myriad of recent research studies documenting a link between HIV-related stigma and the failure to access prevention, care and treatment programs. One such study found that high stigma around HIV was significantly correlated with reduced HIV disclosure and lower use of prevention, care and treatment services among a population of male truck drivers in Brazil. Another found that violence, or the fear of violence, prevents many people from obtaining HIV/AIDS testing and treatment. Stigma works both ways. According to a study conducted by Carr and Nyblade in 2007, people who stigmatize view themselves as removed from the risk of HIV and so do not practice safe behaviors. |
WHY ADDRESS STIGMA & SHAME IN THE UK?
At the end of 2006, 73,000 people were living with HIV in the United Kingdom and there were 7,800 new infections. In fact, since 2000 the number of new infections that occur in the United Kingdom has risen annually. However, estimates suggest that one in three infections in the United Kingdom remain undiagnosed. Respondents of the M∙A∙C AIDS Fund’s survey in the U.K. indicated that stigma and shame around HIV/AIDS was the number one problem contributing to the spread of the disease. In response to this finding, the M∙A∙C AIDS Fund, U.K. seeks proposals for innovative programs that address the issues of stigma and shame and the link between these factors and failure to access prevention, care and treatment services. |
ELIGIBILITY
In order to apply, a non-profit must be registered as a charity in the United Kingdom. Organizations need to have been in existence for at least three years, and have a solid track record of providing HIV/AIDS services. Proposals should range from £100,000 to £250,000, and applicants must have an annual operating budget of at least £1 million. Collaborations among agencies and/or agencies and academic institutions are welcome. |
