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STEP FORWARD: FIGHT STIGMA campaign – Watch on You Tube

04/10/2023

STEP FORWARD: FIGHT STIGMA

Due to the advances in treatments, most people with HIV live a healthy, happy, productive normal life and don’t even consider their HIV as a chronic health condition, but that is not how most of the general public see it!

Did you know that nearly half of all Australians live with a chronic health condition.

Step Forward: Fight Stigma was developed by Western Australian HIV support organisation WAAC to increase awareness of stigma and discrimination faced by people living with HIV whilst also normalising HIV, which is a chronic health condition for some people living with HIV. For most, it is not.

WAAC invited nine people, each living with a chronic condition, to come together. They were asked a series of questions, stepping forward when it was applicable to their experience. The first half of the questions focused on health and daily functioning, while the second half focused on stigma and discrimination they face due to their chronic condition.

Stigma and discrimination have been recognised as major barriers to accessing health services and adhering to treatment for some time, leading to less desirable health outcomes and quality of life. Breaking the cycle of stigma and discrimination is crucial to support good health and wellbeing of people living with HIV.

WATCH STEP FORWARD: FIGHT STIGMA