Getting to the Heart of Stigma

This pre-conference is a thought-leadership symposium seeking to present, discuss and interrogate the state-of-the-field evidence base for HIV-related stigma. It will be a platform to discuss global financial, strategic and programmatic efforts to contextualize, implement and scale up effective stigma reduction and mitigation interventions. The latest results from a global systematic review will be presented, alongside nuanced national case studies and examples of good practice, to situate the evidence base considering day-to-day realities for different communities in specific socio-cultural and policy contexts. The symposium will also feature discussions based on current policy guidelines, original global and country-level research, and political documents to guide progress on stigma reduction and mitigation around the world.

Expert speakers and participants will come from the whole spectrum of health (for example, psychology and mental health, general practice, nursing and midwifery, and sexual and reproductive health), as well as other sectors, such as education and justice. The programme will be of interest to a diverse audience, including participants from a background in policy, research, community activism, funding and grant making, politics and healthcare and people living with HIV. Coupled with the thorough context-specific review of existing evidence, this multidisciplinary and multisectoral engagement will not only amplify and accelerate attention to stigma, but is intended to broaden expert discussions about effective programming, measurement and concepts relating to stigma in ways that catalyse lateral thinking and lead to improved interventions.

Sessions will be interactive and include expert presentations with the opportunity to engage in discussion for those participating in person or virtually, as well as some smaller group discussions.

The pre-conference will take place on Wednesday, 27 July.