Please become a signatory to the Dublin Declaration on HIV Self-Stigma

Calling Advocates and Changemakers!

We are pleased to support a new online petition – The Dublin Declaration on HIV Self-Stigma, that it is hoped will increase knowledge and awareness at all levels – government, academic, NGO, and among the general public – of this phenomenon, which continues to cause lasting harm to the wellbeing of many living with HIV worldwide.

Please click the button to view and sign the petition, which has already been signed by many of our friends and colleagues, including HIV Ireland, Trocaire, and Irish-Zambian HIV Activist, Educator and Advocate, Father Michael Kelly! Please also read on for more information about HIV Self-Stigma.

HIV Self-Stigma

Self-stigma is a significant driver of stress, and a limiting factor in achieving life goals for many people living with HIV and AIDS – particularly in countries where HIV is broadly stigmatised. Furthermore, the negative effects of self-stigma can affect people living with HIV and AIDS up to three times as badly as external stigma received from others. It is surprising, then, that self-stigma has received so little attention throughout the HIV and AIDS research and care sphere to-date.

To redress the balance, attendees to the last IFGH International Conference, which took place in November 2014, came together to form a core group of interested stakeholders within the academic and NGO space, to develop the Dublin Declaration on HIV Self-Stigma, which calls on researchers, practitioners, academics, civil society, and members of the public, to join in working towards ending self-stigma. It states the need for an increased, cross-sector, response which promotes reduction of self-stigma as a means to help persons living with HIV and AIDS to lead full, productive, and dignified lives. More information can be found on HIV Self-Stigma by visiting our dedicated page by clicking here!

The Dublin Declaration on HIV Self-Stigma

We would be delighted if you would join us in forwarding this cause, by taking a moment to view and sign the Declaration by clicking here, and passing the message on to any friends or colleagues you think would be interested. No financial commitment is needed – just a little time to read, reflect, and sign what we hope will be a powerful tool to help gather stakeholders and other interested parties to unite for change. Additionally, you can click the image below to download a pdf copy of the Declaration text.