Tackling
Stigma
Tackling Stigma
Despite all the advances in clinical care, we know that for people living with HIV life can be difficult because of the stigma associated with HIV.
HIV stigma is often based on outdated ideas and made worse by discrimination in other areas like gender, sexuality or race.
In order to end HIV transmissions and improve the quality of life of people living with HIV, we must reduce stigma
Fast-Track Cities Bristol is focused on tackling stigma and reshaping the public perception of HIV, particularly promoting the message that when HIV is virally suppressed there is no onward risk of transmission.
It aims to raise awareness amongst staff and employers in healthcare organisations to ensure that all people living with HIV are treated with compassion and dignity.
In addition, it will look at the specific segments of Bristol’s population that are less likely to come forward for testing and treatment because of stigma.
Co-Chair Rami Ghali
Chief Exec Brigstowe
Co-Chair Aled Osborne
Community Engagement Manager Brigstowe
Co-Chair Abi Carter
Participation Manager Chiva
Billboard Campaign
- Over 20,000 impressions on Twitter (the number of times it has appeared on someone’s timeline)
- 834 visits to the website over the 2- week period. That’s a 46% increase in the number of visits we get on average.
- Common Ambition Bristol project delivery group now exploring a billboard campaign.
- Quote from Peer Mentor: “U=U has been a game changer for so many people like myself living with HIV. To see HIV being talked about in this way is incredible and we will continue to fight the stigma that still surrounds it.”
- Quote from a young person accessing CHIVA services: “Seeing the billboards, with a positive message that slaps stigma into oblivion, made my heart soar and beat with hope. I’m used to hearing negative and ignorant opinions on HIV, so it made me grin seeing people’s faces proudly filling a HIV ribbon not hiding.”
- Quote from Dr Catherine Dodds: “It has been terrific to witness the impact of the HIV awareness campaign in Bristol’s public spaces. They open up conversation, they remind people that life with HIV is no longer a death sentence. I’ve had friends and family point out how effective they are. It’s also a massive affirmation for all Bristolians affected by HIV.”
Develop a local stigma/public attitudes survey:
The Bristol City Council Quality of Life Survey results informed a new specific HIV stigma survey developed by the SHIP HIT(Sexual Health Improvement Programme, Health Integration Team). Analysis of results is ongoing. In 2024 the Quality of Life survey will be repeated, including the 2 HIV stigma based questions.
Hearts and Minds: Reducing HIV stigma in healthcare.
Hearts and Minds training has been designed collaboratively by a Community Panel made up of people living with HIV and health workers, supported by Bristol Fast- Track City partners.
It works to improve comfort and confidence among people working in all healthcare settings when caring for people living with HIV.
“As a healthcare professional, it feels like you have to know everything and that it’s not okay to admit that you are not sure. However, I was forced to reflect on this when we discussed that people living with HIV would rather someone put their hands up and acknowledge that they don’t know enough about HIV, than ignore the issue or say/do the wrong things […] it’s okay not to be an expert in every field.” Hearts and Minds trainee
2023 Highlight
Fast-Track City member Aled Osborne appears in an international film about reducing HIV stigma. The documentary film Human First was made to mark Zero HIV Stigma Day on 21 July 2023. It features six people, including Aled, talking about their lived experiences with HIV stigma across six Fast-Track Cities around the world.
Future Plans
- 2024 Billboard Campaign
- Deliver more HIV Awareness Training
- Ensure we use the network to influence policy in priority areas e.g. Health & Social Care
- Address blood-borne virus information and prevention need within the tattoo and beauty industry – RHiPPT Project.
