{"id":502836,"date":"2020-06-12T15:11:17","date_gmt":"2020-06-12T15:11:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/glaad.logalt.net\/publication\/2020\/"},"modified":"2024-05-21T12:15:12","modified_gmt":"2024-05-21T16:15:12","slug":"2020","status":"publish","type":"publication","link":"https:\/\/glaad.org\/endhivstigma\/2020\/","title":{"rendered":"2020 State of HIV Stigma Survey"},"content":{"rendered":"

Measuring American attitudes toward HIV and the impact stigma has on people living with HIV<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The HIV epidemic won\u2019t end until we tackle the effects of stigma. We partnered with Gilead Sciences to better understand how much stigma still exists and its impact on those living with HIV. Despite making significant progress towards ending the epidemic, a majority of the public feels uncomfortable, uninformed, and concerned about HIV and people living with it. The State of HIV Stigma survey confirms that stigma and misinformation around HIV is widespread, and there is much work to be done to educate the public before we can end the epidemic once and for all.<\/p>\n

Read the survey.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

HIV stigma still exists <\/strong><\/h3>\n

Nearly 9 in 10 Americans believe \u201cthere is still stigma around HIV,\u201d and 88% of Americans agree that \u201cpeople are quick to judge those with HIV.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Stigma can stifle knowledge and necessary conversations between friends, loved ones, and medical professionals, preventing people from getting tested out of fear of social consequences. This can lead to more people living with HIV without knowing it — or treating it — and further spreading the virus to others.<\/p>\n

Much more education is needed<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Only half of Americans \u201cfeel knowledgeable about HIV\u201d and over 90% of Americans agree that promoting prevention should be a high priority.<\/em><\/p>\n

Even though people living with HIV can lead long and healthy lives with the right treatment, only 60% believe that \u201cHIV is a medical condition that can be treated.\u201d This shouldn\u2019t be the case. Prevention and treatment information should be easily available, schools should ensure students have an accurate HIV education, and increasing prevention and treatment access across the board should be a high priority.<\/p>\n

\"\"The Findings: HIV stigma still exists in America<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Majority of Americans are misinformed about how HIV is transmitted<\/p>\n

Nearly 6 in 10 Americans wrongfully believe that \u201cit is important to be careful around people living with HIV to avoid catching it.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

HIV is not easily transmitted. HIV cannot be passed through healthy, unbroken skin, and U=U (undetectable = untransmittable) — if someone with HIV is adhering to their treatment, their viral load is undetectable with effectively no risk of transmitting HIV. This reality has not broken through to the general public. Stigma continues to hinder efforts to educate the public about prevention and treatment options and suppresses valuable conversations about HIV between friends and loved ones.<\/p>\n

Stigma hurts people living with HIV professionally, socially, and romantically<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

In 2020, people living with HIV shouldn\u2019t have to worry about how people will view or interact with them on a daily basis. These views can negatively impact mental health, job opportunities, and seeking friends and romantic partners.<\/p>\n

Click here<\/a> to see the full survey results.<\/p>\n

How you can help: Share the facts about HIV to fight stigma!<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Making an impact: GLAAD and Gilead team up to combat stigma<\/strong><\/p>\n

To work to combat HIV stigma in the south, GLAAD announced it\u2019s \u2018Accelerate Compassion\u2019 and \u2018Accelerate Impact\u2019 programs with the support of a $9 million multi-year grant from Gilead Sciences.<\/p>\n

Learn more about HIV prevention and treatment<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. KNOW<\/a> – get the facts about HIV and AIDS<\/li>\n
  2. TALK <\/a>– start the conversation<\/li>\n
  3. PROTECT<\/a> – for you & those you love<\/li>\n
  4. TEST<\/a> – know your status<\/li>\n
  5. TREAT<\/a> – stay healthy, protect others<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n