Today's sessions focused on Stigma and Discrimination and the Greater Involvement of People Living with HIV. Below we highlight two of them.
FBOs: Stigma and discrimination, gender issues and the condom
Today Elsie Mulindi (ACK) and Simeon Ruto (CCS) from Kenya showed how far the churches have come in fighting AIDS. Initially no real friend of People Living with HIV (PLHIV), churches are now defenders, supporters and even give out condoms. Elsie and Ruto began with a bit of the history of how FBOs have responded to the epidemic, giving personal stories of stigma and discrimination and their impact on communities. They showed how FBO community workers have been able to advocate for support to PLHIV and how they have worked, including with STOP AIDS NOW!, to empower PLHIV and women to claim their space and rights. In particular they explained how they have been able to make use of clergy and other community leaders to show the example and break the silence on taboos. Now women are not blamed for HIV but instead demand condom use. All people, including PLHIV, can live in harmony as Christians.
Organisations of PLHIV and GIPA: A couple with a lot of potential
Organisations of people living with HIV from Bolivia, Tanzania and Burundi shared successes and challenges in achieving a greater involvement of people living with HIV in their countries. One of the main achievements in Bolivia was reflected in the making of the new National Constitution: under the section on human rights, there is a special section about the rights of PLHIV. The organisation of PLHIV in Bolivia is part of the HIV National Council and is also chair of the Country Coordination Mechanism (CCM) of the Global Fund.
Burundi mentioned the limited ownership of the government. 60% of the care services for PLHIV are delivered by civil society organisations and networks of PLHIV supported with international aid; and only 40% of the care services are provided by the government.
The main challenge in Bolivia is the engagement of the new generation of PLHIV. Youth living with HIV do not want to be exposed in the media and be open about their status. This is due to stigma which hinders young people to be open and participate in the fight against AIDS.
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