Red, White & U Campaign

As of 2013, 35 million people worldwide are living with HIV, and in the U.S., African-Americans make up 46 percent of those diagnoses since 2011. For Black women, in 2010, 6,100 were living with HIV and today remain 3 out of 10 new affected. In general, 1 in 5 Americans are not even aware they are affected. Statistics like these are scary and a resistance to get tested is plausible, but with so many clinics offering testing services and support groups available for the emotional aspect of the diagnosis, know that you won’t be alone in the process." - Source michronicleonline.com

WHAT IS HIV? 

HIV stands for the human immunodeficiency virus:

H - Human. This virus infects human beings.

I - Immunodeficiency. This virus attacks a person's immune system. The immune system is the body's defense against infections, such as bacteria and viruses. Once attacked by HIV, the immune system becomes deficient and doesn't work properly.

V - Virus. A virus is a type of germ too small to be seen even with a microscope.

WHAT IS HIV RELATED STIGMA?

HIV-related stigma and discrimination refers to prejudice, negative attitudes and abuse directed at people living with HIV and AIDS.

The consequences of stigma and discrimination are wide-ranging. Some people are shunned by family, peers and the wider community, while others face poor treatment in healthcare and educational settings, erosion of their an an rights, and psychological damage.

The People Living with HIV Stigma Index indicates that roughly one in every eight people living with HIV is being denied health services because of stigma and discrimination.