Housing Forward’s Post

I first started caring for people living with HIV back in 1987 – working on one of the very first AIDS wards in London. It was a pretty dark time in the history of HIV – you learnt to recognise very quickly that people who came into the ward might leave for a while, but more often than not, they came back and never left again. Although medically we’ve made huge progress since then - with prevention, treatment and care options that mean HIV is no longer a death sentence, stigma and discrimination remain highly prevalent and this contributes to very real barriers and disparities across many communities and also across differentiators like race, gender and migration status. In this latest edition of ‘Can we end epidemics?’ – a joint podcast between ViiV Healthcare and Foreign Policy, Oni Blackstock , Amanita Calderon-Cifuentes, Henry Bonsu and I discuss how health inequalities are still a major roadblock to ending the HIV epidemic and what communities, healthcare practitioners and governments can do to overcome them. #WeWontStop

1st March this year is the tenth anniversary of Zero Discrimination Day. Upholding everyone’s rights is the responsibility of us all. Everyone can play a part in ending discrimination. On 1 March, and across the whole month of March, events, activities and messages will remind the world of this vital lesson and call to action: to protect everyone’s health, protect everyone’s rights. “The attacks on rights are a threat to freedom and democracy and are harmful to health. Stigma and discrimination obstruct HIV prevention, testing, treatment and care, and hold back progress towards ending AIDS by 2030, Through upholding rights for all, we will be able to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, and to secure a safer, fairer, kinder, and happier world – for everyone,” said Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “It is only by protecting everyone’s rights that we can protect everyone’s health.” TeamTech Environment Health and Safety Private Limited #goodhealthandwellbeing #healthandwellness #healthcare #sdg3 #zerodiscrimination #righttolife #sdg2030  

For women living under the weight of self-stigma, particularly those with HIV who are physically challenged, remember that your journey is uniquely yours. Embrace your strength, resilience, and worth. Don't let societal judgments define you. Seek support from understanding communities like @nplusghana and organizations like ProActif.Global who can help educate you about HIV, empowering you to make informed decisions regarding your health. Challenge HIV-related stigma by sharing your story, dispelling myths, and fostering open conversations. #16daysofactivism #AmplifyingVoices #letcommunitieslead #portrait

This week on H-Span, we are joined by Jirair Ratevosian, DrPH, MPH, a Democratic Congressional candidate for California’s 30th district. In this episode, we learn about Jirair's time as a Congressional staffer, how his experiences as a an advocate for HIV awareness can teach longevity advocacates, and what his vision is for CA-30. You can listen to the full episode here: spoti.fi/41n5tFu

🔍 How do social factors affect women's experiences of HIV-related stigma and discrimination? A recent study from the #SHAWNAproject reveals that lack of access to food and housing more than doubled the likelihood of participants facing stigma and discrimination. For #WorldAIDSDay2023, we would like to spotlight a new infographic by the SHAWNA project, outlining the findings and recommendations from their research. Identifying and addressing inequity is crucial for improving health and rights among women living with HIV.  This infographic was based on a research paper authored by #CGSHE faculty Drs. Carmen Logie, Kate Shannon, Andrea Krusi, Kathleen Deering + Melissa Braschel, Candice Norris and Haoxuan Zhou. See the full infographic: https://bit.ly/3uA1nh2

Upholding human rights is key to ending AIDS. Where stigma, discrimination, homophobia and transphobia, gender-based violence and inequities exist, the HIV epidemic can gain ground. And, at these intersections, its impact is exacerbated. Each time you speak out or take action in defense of human rights, you are championing a future free from AIDS. What action will you take this World Health Day? Everyone, everywhere has a right to health care, including stigma-free #HIV services, and education, food security, safe water, clean air, safe housing and freedom from violence and discrimination. 🌍 Thank you for being part of the global solidarity movement for a healthier, more equitable future. #WorldHealthDay2024

Join these powerful women leaders as they chat about #UequalsU and women on X-space. 🗓️ March 27th ⏰ 9:00 AM ET / 4:00 PM CAT 🔗 https://lnkd.in/d2hPk869 As #AIDS2024 approaches, how can #UequalsU amplify the voices of women living with HIV, and address their unique needs. #FutureWithCommunities#CommunitiesFirst

On this 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐀𝐈𝐃𝐒 𝐃𝐚𝐲, we champion the theme #LetCommunitiesLead, acknowledging the strength and resilience of those affected by 𝐇𝐈𝐕/𝐀𝐈𝐃𝐒 worldwide. It's a call to #empowercommunities, break down barriers, and #eradicatediscrimination, fostering a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. By prioritizing education, dispelling myths, and supporting community-driven solutions, we can create a future free from the stigma of HIV/AIDS. Together, we pledge to amplify voices, #reducejudgment, and sow the seeds of a world built on compassion, understanding, and solidarity. As we commemorate World AIDS Day, let us carry the torch of #awareness, #empathy, and advocacy forward. Let our actions speak volumes! . . . #worldaidsday #aidsawareness #makeadifferencetoday #awarenessmatters #awarenessmonth #communityengagement #supporteachother #communitymanagement #standup4humanrights #amplifyyourvoice #amplifyvoices #supportthecause #supportthecommunity #communitydrivensolutions #customsoftwaredevelopmentcompany #digitaltransformation #digitalacceleration #actionspeakslouder #endthestigma #FightAgainstAids #UnityAgainstHIV #breakdownbarriers #educateandempower #advocateforchange #binmile #solidarityinhealth #compassionatecommunities #compassionmatters #globalbusinessservices

New research by reveals a concerning link between community violence and HIV care engagement among Black gay and bisexual men. As we work to address community violence, it's crucial to consider its impact on health outcomes. Learn more about this study: tinyurl.com/Voisinetal2024 #CommunityViolence #PublicHealth

📢Exciting Updates! The year 2023 was a strategic and fulfilling year for us in terms of our strategic program areas and projects in HIV/TB, Sexual Reproductive Health, Gender Based Violence, Mental Health, Community Health and Research, including influencing policy for health reforms. We celebrated our 20th anniversary of delivering health outcomes for Kenya and beyond, and unveiled our five-year strategic plan for 2022-2027. We initiated new strategic shifts, moving beyond the status quo to explore new frontiers with #BeyondHIV, #BeyondBorders, and a focus on #Sustainability. As we strive to meet our new strategic priorities, we are pleased to share our 2023/24 annual report. Here, you will find key achievements and innovative approaches towards fostering empowered, healthy, and resilient communities. Read more:  https://lnkd.in/dbg5wXZ5 Together, let us: - Improve STI and HIV/TB prevention and treatment - Enhance responses to #MentalHealth and #SRH - Reduce unintended pregnancies among adolescents and young people - Strengthen our efforts to end #GBV