People living with HIV should not only enjoy their right to health but also their right to access crucial social services such as education, employmen

People living with HIV should not only enjoy their right to health but also their right to access crucial social services such as education, employment, housing, social security and even asylum in some cases. Ensuring the rights of people living with HIV is good public health practice, by improving the health and well-being of those affected and by making prevention efforts more effective. A wide range of countries have enacted legislation to prevent discrimination against people living with HIV. However, in many cases, there is poor enforcements of such laws and stigmatization of people living with HIV and most-at-risk populations persist.

HIV-related stigma and discrimination continue to undermine HIV responses. The fear of being shunned by their families and friends, marginalized in their communities or denied employment and other services is often the reason why people do not present for HIV testing or attend HIV services. All too often it is the negative attitudes and behaviours of health workers that make health services inaccessible and unacceptable to those people at greatest risk of HIV infection and in greatest need of prevention, treatment and care services. People living with HIV, drug users, sex workers and men who have sex with men should be able to attend health services where they feel safe and are ensured the best possible and non-judgmental care.

enjoy their right to health but also their right to access crucial social services such as education, employment, housing, social security and even asylum in some cases. Ensuring the rights of people living with HIV is good public health practice, by improving the health and well-being of those affected and by making prevention efforts more effective. A wide range of countries have enacted legislation to prevent discrimination against people living with HIV. However, in many cases, there is poor enforcements of such laws and stigmatization of people living with HIV and most-at-risk populations persist.

HIV-related stigma and discrimination continue to undermine HIV responses. The fear of being shunned by their families and friends, marginalized in their communities or denied employment and other services is often the reason why people do not present for HIV testing or attend HIV services. All too often it is the negative attitudes and behaviours of health workers that make health services inaccessible and unacceptable to those people at greatest risk of HIV infection and in greatest need of prevention, treatment and care services. People living with HIV, drug users, sex workers and men who have sex with men should be able to attend health services where they feel safe and are ensured the best possible and non-judgmental care.