What are stigma and discrimination?: What are stigma and discrimination?
Stigma is literally a “mark” or a “blemish” upon someone or something. HIV is often negatively viewed and social attitudes may be damaging to those infected or suspected of being infected. Discrimination is defined more in terms of legal and human rights. When a person loses a job because of the negative connotation or impression of HIV then overt discrimination has taken place. Who does stigma and discrimination affect?: Who does stigma and discrimination affect? Anyone infected, affected, or potentially at risk for HIV (illustrative list): Injecting drug users Commercial sex workers HIV orphans Family and friends of HIV+ people of high-risk groups Caregivers Double marginalization: Double marginalization For many persons in society they are not marginalized once, but twice. They are marginalized first for their HIV status and second for the supposed behaviors that lead them to become HIV+. Thus, any program aimed at high-risk groups must take into account both of these types of barri
