MOYO POSITION STATEMENT: Addressing HIV Misconceptions, Stigma, and Discrimination
HIV stigma and discrimination are negative attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors directed towards individuals with HIV or those perceived to be at risk. This can manifest as fear, prejudice, and unfair treatment, significantly impacting the lives of people living with HIV and hindering efforts to prevent and treat the virus.
Underlying this stated position is the to need to educate on U=U, a shorthand for Undetectable equals Untransmittable, supported by scientific evidence that someone with HIV who is taking antiretroviral treatment (ART) and who has been undetectable level of the virus in their blood cannot transmit it to someone else sexually, with or without the use of a condom. We reiterate a key statement of the Ontario AIDS Network that “U=U can raise broader public awareness of the reality of HIV today, help reduce stigma towards people living with HIV, transform self-stigma, increase testing, motivate early initiation of treatment, and improve treatment adherence.”i
Stigma:
Involves negative perceptions, stereotypes, and prejudices associated with HIV.
Discrimination:
Refers to the unfair and unequal treatment of individuals based on their HIV status or perceived status.
Internalized Stigma:
Individuals with HIV may take on negative stereotypes, leading to feelings of shame, fear, and isolation.
Education and Awareness:
Increasing knowledge about HIV and dispelling misconceptions can help reduce fear and prejudice; and promote empathy.
Challenging Stereotypes:
Promoting positive portrayals of people with HIV and countering negative stereotypes is crucial.
Advocacy and Policy Change:
Advocating for laws and policies that protect the rights of people with HIV and eliminate discriminatory practices.
Community Mobilization:
Engaging communities to foster inclusive, supportive, and stigma-free environments).
Healthcare Settings:
Ensuring healthcare providers are trained to provide stigma-free care and address the specific needs of people with HIV.
• A national study in 2012 indicated that 55% of Canadians felt that people with HIV may experience difficulty in basic activities like finding housing, healthcare, or employment due to stigma.
• Many Canadians expressed discomfort with casual contact or close relationships with individuals with HIV. ii
• HIV stigma and discrimination are pervasive issues that affect people with HIV worldwide.
• These issues have significant consequences for individuals, communities, and public health.
• Addressing stigma requires a multifaceted approach involving education, advocacy, and community engagement.
• Learn More: Explore how stigma works—and how to help stop it. See CDC “Let's Stop HIV Together “(https://www.cdc.gov/stophivtogether/hiv-stigma/index.html)
• Speak Up: Share your voice in support of inclusion and equality. Become a Member of Moyo to help fight HIV discrimination. Membership applications can be accessed through our Web Page “Opportunities at Moyo” https://www.moyohcs.ca/opportunities
• If you feel that you have been discriminated for living with HIV please contact Moyo to meet with a member of our support team who will work with you to seek legal counsel at the HIV AIDS Legal Clinic of Ontario (HALCO).
i Ontario AIDS Network . Position Statement U=U . (2018) https://ontarioaidsnetwork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/OAN_UequalsU_Position_Statement-1.pdf (last accessed Aug 5, 2025
ii Minister of Health. 2012 HIV/AIDS Attitudinal Tracking Survey : STIGMA AND DISCRIMINATION , October 2014. Cat.: HP40-101/1-2014E-PDF ISBN: 978-1-100-23374-1 Pub.: 130634 . https://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2015/aspc-phac/HP40-101-1-2014-eng.pdf (Last Accessed Aug 5, 2025).