Fight against HIV stigma: AIDS Hilfe Vienna calls for awareness!

Fight against HIV stigma: AIDS Hilfe Vienna calls for awareness!

July 21st marks Zero HIV Stigma Day - a day designed to raise awareness of the discrimination and stigmatization of people living with HIV. The AIDS Help Vienna On the occasion of this day, highlights the urgent need for factual information to combat discrimination in the healthcare sector. In 2024, almost 70% of all reported cases of discrimination in Austria were in the health sector.

Stigma has serious consequences: people living with HIV are often rejected, leading to depression, anxiety and reduced access to medical care. Dr. Mirijam Hall, the chairwoman of Aids Hilfe Vienna, is therefore calling for urgent measures to combat stigmatization in the health system. Reports indicate that treatment is being denied specifically based on HIV status.

Legal steps and social responsibility

A 2023 court ruling made it clear that denying treatment based on an HIV diagnosis is discriminatory. These legal measures are crucial in the fight against discrimination against people living with HIV. There is also criticism of the exclusion of people with HIV from the police service in Austria, which further increases social exclusion.

The principle “undetectable = untransmittable” (U = U) states that no transmission of the HIV virus is possible under effective therapy. Despite these scientific findings, there is often a lack of information about hygiene regulations to prevent HIV transmission. Social stigma is not just an individual problem, but has far-reaching effects on healthcare as a whole Justmed represents.

The emotional burden of discrimination

The social consequences of stigmatization are significant: those affected experience shame, feelings of guilt and withdrawal from social activities. These emotional burdens are often accompanied by receiving poorer quality medical care, as many do not seek treatment for fear of discrimination. There is also a vicious circle in which those affected are diagnosed with delays due to stigmatization and therefore suffer poorer treatment outcomes.

In order to break this negative cycle, it is crucial to take central measures. Awareness campaigns, strengthening self-help groups and legal protection measures against discrimination are at the top of the agenda. It is essential that those affected are included in decision-making processes and can actively demand their rights.

In conclusion, Zero HIV Stigma Day 2025 once again illustrates how important it is to break down prejudices and create an inclusive society in which people with HIV can live without fear. With its anti-discrimination office, Aids Hilfe Vienna does valuable work to support those affected and to collect reports of discrimination.