Sunday 21st July was the second international Zero HIV Stigma Dy.
The date for this event was chosen because it was the birthday of a very courageous woman from South Africa, Prudence Nobantu Mbele, who refused to hide the fact that she was living with HIV, and in doing so, she inspired many more people to be open about their own health.
HIV Stigma is fortunately back in the spotlight. If we can tackle HIV stigma on a community level , we give more people the courage to test for HIV, to start antiretroviral therapy, continue their access to HIV healthcare, and therefore live their life to their full potential. Stigmatising attitudes can come from external sources such as people who are afraid or not up to date with the modern realities of living with HIV. However, for some people living with HIV, stigma can also come from within oneself manifesting as a fear of how people will react if they discover that you are living with HIV. Many activists, like Prudence was, are vocal about their HIV diagnosis to help to address stigma in society and to enable people living with HIV to be treated the same as anyone else. .
This is the second year of International Zero HIV Stigma Day. Following on from the success of last year’s event in Jubilee Square, we received funding from Brighton and Hove Council alongside a contribution from the Martin Fisher Foundation to fund a programme of activities leading up to 21st July 2024. This included a digital media campaign developed by the Terrence Higgins Trust, bus stop adverts, Photo exhibition by the More to me than HIV Group in Jubilee Library, education activities in schools, briefing for faith organisations and video distribution in healthcare settings. Brighton and Hove Bus company arranged for the Martin Fisher Foundation bus to be on the No 7 bus route throughout the day on 21st July.
A community event was held in Jubilee Square at 1pm with Mary O’Kart hosting and speakers from the Martin Fisher Foundation, Terrence Higgins Trust, HIV Hour, Lunch Positive, the Sussex Beacon and Brighton and Hove Community Works with The Rainbow Chorus opening and closing the event. The aim of this event was to promote positive actions to tackle HIV Stigma in the city and to redefine the negative narratives associated with HIV.
With many thanks to the following for their contribution to the whole Zero HIV Stigma Day 2024 programme: Louise Vallace, Josh Sharples, David Fray, Sue Hunter, Gary Pargeter, Abigail Bruce, Lunch Positive, Ledward Centre, Terrence Higgins Trust, More to me than HIV, Brighton & Hove City Council, Mary O’Kart, Lawson Unit at University Hospitals Sussex, Brighton & Hove Buses, Brighton & Hove Library team, Brighton Fringe, The Rainbow Chorus, The Sussex Beacon and Sussex HIV Chaplaincy.
Have a look at some of the images below from Zero HIV Stigma day 2024
Photographs by Simon Pepper photography
