At the Zero HIV Stigma Day, July 21st, AIDS Aid Vienna makes it clear that the fight against discrimination against people with HIV is needed factual education in order to inform society about HIV and the effects of stigmatization and to support those affected.
Knowledge transfer as a key
According to the current figures, almost 70 % of all discrimination cases in Austria in the healthcare system occurred in 2024 – a clear sign that there is still a lot of action there. But even in other areas of life, structural discrimination remains a persistently big problem. The stigmatization and the associated disadvantages of people with HIV can have serious consequences for those affected, including depression, anxiety and reduced access to necessary medical care. This can significantly affect both psychological well -being and the therapy loyalty of those affected.
On the occasion of the Zero HIV Stigma Day, the AIDS help Vienna therefore draws attention to the urgent need to combat stigmatization and discrimination against people with HIV. Dr.in Mirijam Hall, chair of the AIDS help Vienna, emphasizes: “People who live with HIV sometimes still have considerable disadvantages in the health system and experience discriminatory behavior of health personnel. That is why we have to fight together against stigmatization and poor treatment. “
Refused treatments in the health sector
Despite a judgment against a dentist in 2023 and the clear statement by the court that the refusal of treatment is discriminatory due to an HIV diagnosis, there are still discriminatory incidents in the healthcare system.
„Several person told us in the past as well as this year that they had been refused to treat them due to their HIV status. The reasons range from flimsy excuses to: ‘There would be no sufficient protective equipment’ in practice. However, this argument is not scientifically attentive, since compliance with the usual hygiene regulations in doctors is completely sufficient to protect against HIV transmission.
More educational work is necessary here, “ Hall holds on Hall. Previcting behavior is also the order of the day.
It continues: “Experience has shown that many discrimination is based on ignorance – even in the private sector. Therefore, enlightenment is essential to end discrimination and protect everyone’s health. ”
HIV as the reason for the disease
Austria’s AIDS aids actively campaign for the cancellation of structural discrimination. A current example is the criticism of the exclusion of people who live with HIV, from the application process for the police service in Austria. From the perspective of Austria’s perspective, this improper access restriction represents a clear form of discrimination and is not in accordance with the current medical status, according to which the HI virus is no longer possible under effective antiretroviral therapy. This knowledge is supported by the principle of “undetectable = untransentable” (U = U), which states that people with HIV can no longer transmit HIV infection under a detectable virus load.
HIV and sex work
Another example of structural discrimination is the professional ban for people who live with HIV in sex work, although they are not a danger to the transfer of the virus under effective therapy. This ban means that sex workers are often pushed into illegality after an HIV diagnosis, which not only endangers their health, but also leads to further stigmatization and exclusion. The AIDS aids emphasize that the legalization and regulation of sex work with effective therapy would not only protect the health of those affected, but could also strengthen their rights and protection against violence.
Bad treatment in the private sector
Again and again, poor treatment in the private sector also plays a role in advice. “After a separation, people who live with HIV are often confronted with the fact that the*threats the ex-partner in the HIV status to relatives or the employer*in or that the diagnosis has already been passed on. In these cases, too, we try to support our clients as best as possible”so Hall.
Anti -discrimination work shows successes
“Thanks to our advice and interventions, we can often support people who are treated less than their HIV infection so that they come to their rights “ says Dr.in Mirijam Hall, chair of the AIDS help Vienna. The anti-discrimination agency of the AIDS Hilfe Vienna plays a central role in the ARIDS aid of AUDS aids by the Austria-wide collection of discrimination reports by analyzing and advising them directly. This year two arbitration proceedings have already been held at the Ministry of Social Affairs.
These measures are crucial for the formation of consciousness and education in society in order to achieve the goal of a zero stigma.
Service: Discrimination cases can be reported anonymously and confidentially here: https://aids.at/leben-mit-hiv/antidiskriminierung/
What is the zero hiv stigma day?
This day of action is celebrated every year on July 21 and sets a sign against discrimination and exclusion of people with HIV. The international day of action was launched in 2022 by organizations such as NAZ, IAPAC and the Fast-Track Cities Institute in order to draw attention to the ongoing stigma around HIV and to reduce social prejudices. The day is reminiscent of the South African activist Prudence Mabele, one of the first women in South Africa who dealt openly with her HIV diagnosis.