Discrimination against people with HIV/AIDS

People living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) face prejudice, fear, rejection, and stigmatization. Marginalized, at-risk groups such as members of the LGBTQ+ community, intravenous drug users, and sex workers are most vulnerable to facing HIV/AIDS discrimination. The consequences of societal stigma against PLHIV are quite severe, as HIV/AIDS discrimination actively hinders access to HIV/AIDS screening and care around the world. Moreover, these negative stigmas become used against members of the LGBTQ+ community in the form of stereotypes held by physicians.

HIV/AIDS discrimination takes many forms such as blood donation restrictions on at-risk populations, compulsory HIV testing without prior consent, violations of confidentiality within healthcare settings, and targeted violence against PLHIV. In addition, HIV discrimination is a global issue that affects individuals despite respective nation laws prohibiting HIV/AIDS discrimination. HIV/AIDS discrimination lowers the chances of PLHIV to seek help, and can affect advancement of treatments.