HIV and human rights
Human rights violations against women, sexual minorities and those on the margins of society such as people who use drugs increases their vulnerability to HIV. Violations can take the form of everyday stigma and discrimination as well as the aggressive actions of police or others in authority.
Many Key Correspondents advocate for the rights of women, sex workers, sexual minorities, people who use drugs and people living with HIV. They report the human reality of rights violations as a way to bring governments to account and advocate for fairer systems that enable all members of society to stay healthy and well.
Jacinta’s story: HIV does not discriminate
As Women Deliver delegates gather in Malaysia this week to discuss progress on women and girls’ health and wellbeing, Key Correspondent Hope Mafaranga recounts how one young woman living with HIV faces particular challenges in Uganda. more
‘Marcus’: Is it Poverty, Pleasure or Lifestyle to Engage in Sex Work?
Marcus found his way on to the streets to try and make ends meet and this is what led him into being a sex worker. more
African Union must tackle conflict related rape say campaigners
International campaigners are calling on the African Union to tackle conflict-related rape when it meets for its 20th Summit today. more
Human rights violations report launches in Kenya
People living with HIV (PLHIV) continue to face human rights violations despite Kenya’s long struggle and progress in the HIV/AIDS epidemic. more
Needle and syringe programme faces challenges in Cambodia
The health of people who inject drugs in Cambodia is being put at risk due to opposition from police and local communities to needle and syringe programmes. more
Health services for prisoners vital to get to zero new HIV infections
In Cambodia, despite a higher rate of heroin use among prisoners than the general population, there is currently little in the way of treatment options for inmates. more
Methadone maintenance treatment should be made available in prisons
Methadone maintenance treatment should be made available to injecting drug users in prisons in Cambodia. It requires daily intake and is used to wean people who are addicted to heroin off the drug. It is considered less addictive and safer than heroin because it is administered and monitored in a regulated, clinical setting. more
Vin’s experience with drugs and HIV
Vin has no job and already feels like a disappointment to his mother and siblings. The thought of them finding out about his drug use clearly causes him even more pain. more
Our correspondents are writing for change on HIV issues relating to young people, as well as drug use.