Abstract Book Vol. 2 [International Conference on AIDS (14th: 2002: Barcelona, Spain)]

654 Abstracts ThPeG8267-ThPeG8271

XIV International AIDS Conference

this framework has effectively addressed stigma and discrimination on the basis
of HIV/AIDS. In particular the paper explores the factors that have contributed to
the failure on the part of both the public and the private sectors to successfully
implement existing policies, as well as to the limited usefulness of policies, plans
and laws as tools to successfully address stigma and discrimination.
Lessons learned: The usefulness of policies, plans and laws as tools to address
stigma and discrimination on the basis of HIV/AIDS are limited. Policies, plans
and laws can only be effectively used to address stigma and discrimination in
this context as an integral part of a far broader approach which encompasses, in
addition, the promotion of a better understanding of the issues and commitment
on the part of political decision makers as well as grass roots mobilisation and
support.
Recommendations: If stigma and discrimination are to be successfully addressed, more attention must be focussed on educating political decision makers
about HIV/AIDS and the need to combat stigma and discrimination as well as on
mobilising grass roots and community support.
Presenting author: Michaela Figueira, P O Box 604, Windhoek, Namibia, Tel.:
[phone], Fax: [phone], E-mail: [email protected]
ThPeG8267 First national mobilization against the stigma and
discrimination for living with HIV/AIDS
P.I. Campos-Lopez1, A.D. Duehas-Martinez1, L.F. Pacheco-Camara2,
E. Canchola-Lopez', A.P Garcia-RuizV2, T. Leal-Velazcol, E. Zarate-Reyes2.
1Aids Prevention Council in Jalisco State, Guadalajara, Mexico; 2 Vihas de Vida,
A.C., Guadalajara, Mexico
Issues: Many efforts have been made in the past to consolidate an open dialog concerning HIV-AIDS and its relation with Human Rights. The construction of
an alternative forum based on a different methodology, which responds to reality
and allows consensus involving every participant, show us a new way of elaborating proposals. The results obtained in this First National Human Rights and
HIV-AIDS Congress proved that consulting and participation are more effective
than imposition.
Description: The Congress congregated Governmental and non Governmental
Institutions, with people living with HIV-AIDS, health workers and general public. The forum was design based on Paulo Freire methodological theory First an
auto diagnostic took place. It allowed all participants to recognize their conceptualization; the context and the practice they have been establishing about Human
Rights and HIV-AIDS. On a second moment theory takes its place. Finally a proposal of 12 issues was constructed constituting the "First Mexican Human Rights
and HIV-AIDS Declaration".
Lessons learned: The importance of public consulting and the viability of consensus for united work allow us to focus better the work to overcome obstacles
that in other way they wouldn't be visible.
Recommendation: This experience and the methodology used is a powerful tool
to be used if consensus is needed. It's necessary spread and penetrates the legislation educative and cultural field with the "First Mexican Human Rights and
HIV/AIDS Declaration" in order to this effort become transcendent.
Presenting author: Ancira Duehas-Martinez, Lago Tequesquitengo, num.2600,
Zapopan, Jalisco., Zip.45177, Mexico, Tel.: [phone], Fax: +5233 38
53 36 65-2, E-mail: [email protected]
ThPeG8268 Reducing stigma and discrimination through
education
S. Kang. CARAM Cambodia, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
This abstract provides insights into the activities of the Cambodian HIV/AIDS and
Human Rights Network, a coalition of 29 non-governmental organizations, which
works to integrate a Human Rights framework and HIV/AIDS concept into its organization plan. The goal of the network is to raise awareness of AIDS and Human
Rights in preventing the AIDS epidemic and reducing discrimination against people with AIDS in Cambodia, a country with the highest HIV prevalence and fastest
growing rate of HIV infection in Asia.
The network grew out of a 10-day training workshop on HIV/AIDS and Human
Rights organized by the Asia Pacific Council of AIDS Service Organizations in
May 2001 in Phnom Penh. Participants found that HIV/AIDS-related stigma and
discrimination is widespread and increasing as more people are diagnosed with
HIV/AIDS. An Advisory Group was formalized as the focal point for network activities. The Chair and the theme group leaders were selected to lead/provide
advice to members on program implementation and problem solving. The advisory and theme groups meet on a regular basis to formulate plans and conduct field assessments on discrimination against people with HIV/AIDS. Findings of a 4-week assessment (June-July 2001) conducted in Phnom Penh and 6
provinces showed there were many cases of discrimination against people with
HIV/AIDS. The network has developed a group action plan focusing on 3 sectors: Family/Community; Employment/Workplace; Health. Activities fall into 3 cat
egories: Education (Developing educational materials on HIV/AIDS and human
rights, training of trainers responsible for field education); Monitoring and documentation of rights violations/discrimination against people with AIDS; Advocacy
(Public forum to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS and human rights, lobbying Government on measures that would assist in implementing the Charter of Rights of
people with HIV/AIDS).

Presenting author: Serei Kang, Caram Cambodia, 193 AEO, Street 63, Phnom
Penh, Cambodia, p.o. box 2625, PP.RIII, Cambodia, Cambodia, Tel.: [phone]
065, Fax: [phone], E-mail: [email protected]
ThPeG8269I Methods for the reduction of HIV-related stigma
and discrimination in New York State (NYS): the
role of the AIDS institute
W. Karchner', S. Klein2, D. O'Connell2. 1NYS Department of Health AIDS
Institute, NYSDOH - AIDS Institute, ESP Corning Tower - Room 312, Albany NY
12237, United States; 2NYS Department of Health - AIDS Institute, Albany,
United States
Issues: Stigma and discrimination are two enemies of public health in the battle
to prevent new HIV infections. Comprehensive HIV prevention programs must acknowledge and address these issues so that state and local health departments
can meet the challenges through policy and program development.
Description: Established by statute in 1983, the NYS Department of Health AIDS
Institute is responsible for coordinating the State's response to the epidemic. As
the epicenter of the domestic (USA) HIV/AIDS epidemic, NYS has confronted a
myriad of issues related to HIV stigma and the resultant discrimination, often in
the absence of experimental models and without the benefits of other's experiences.
Lessons learned: Multiple strategies to address HIV related stigma and discrimination are necessary and essential to reduce the negative consequences of
such policies and practices on the most affected communities. Bold short-term
and long-term approaches are necessary to ensure that these enemies of public
health don't defeat the advances realized to date.
Recommendations: Strategies to address HIV stigma have included: a strong
HIV confidentiality statute, enforcement of state and federal privacy protections,
comprehensive HIV clinical education that addressed institutionalized bias and
cultural divides, active involvement of business and faith communities, education
and leadership trainings for persons living with HIV and AIDS to promote parity in
health planning dialogue, access to legal service providers who are knowledgeable about HIV and effective advocates, an ongoing commitment to interagency
dialogue and service coordination around policy and program development and a
recognition that HIV stigma, in conjunction with the discriminatory nature of such
factors as racism, homophobia, sexism, poverty and drug use, continue to pose
formidable challenges.
Presenting author: William Karchner, NYSDOH - AIDS Institute, ESP Corning
Tower - Room 312, Albany NY 12237, United States, Tel.: [phone], Fax:
[phone], E-mail: wdk01 @health.state.ny.us
ThPeG8270 Achievement checklist helps hospitals in India to
establish safer working conditions and improved
services for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA)
L.Z. Gilborn1, B. George2, VS. Mahendra3, R. Mudoi2, C. Daly4, V. Raman5,
I. Gupta6. iPopulation Council, Population Council, 4301 Connecticut Ave,NW
Suite 280, Washington, DC 20008, United States; 2Sharan, New Delhi, India;
3Population Council, New Delhi, India; 4Consultant, New Delhi India; 5University
of Delhi, New Delhi, India; 6Institute of Economic Growth, New Delhi, India
Issues: PLHA often face stigma and differential treatment in clinical settings,
limiting their access to medical care. AIDS-related stigma, health care workers'
(HCWs) misconceptions about HIV transmission and risky working conditions
(e.g. shortages of gloves) all contribute to differential treatment of PLHA.
Description: An Achievement Checklist to guide managers striving for a safer
and more "patient-friendly" hospital was developed. It covers policies and practices regarding confidentiality, HIV testing and counseling, and universal precautions. Managers from 3 New Delhi hospitals used the Checklist and baseline data
(observations and HCW interviews, n=884) to identify institutional strengths and
weakness, and to develop action plans.
Lessons learned: The tools and processes piloted led to institutional changes
in HIV counseling practices, HCW training and sensitization, and policies on
HIV/AIDS. Facility data were key in engaging managers in this process.
Recommendations: The Checklist can be used to foster positive change and
identify attainable goals, and even to lobby for greater support to the health care
system. These efforts must address the needs of both PLHA and HCWs. Some
"gold standards" are hard to achieve due to local constraints. Interim goals can
be developed, where "gold standards" are unattainable.
Presenting author: Laelia Gilborn, Population Council, 4301 Connecticut
Ave,NW, Suite 280, Washington, DC 20008, United States, Tel.: [phone], Fax: [phone], E-mail: [email protected]
ThPeG8271 Confidentiality: where does it start? Where does it
end? Reality within the Indian social setting

T. Deasi1, D. Garg1, R. Sharma1, R. Thanvi1, S. Sharma', A. Purohit 2
A. Haag2. 'AFXB Rajasthan, 1-B Onkar Bhawan, Near Bala Sati Temple,
Ratanada, Jodhpur, India; 2FXB US Foundation, Burlington, United States
Issues: Within India, a great majority of individuals recently diagnosed as HIV
positive, do not know themselves the diagnosis. However, those surrounding him
(i.e. family and friends) get to know his or her condition prior to his or her knowl