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.
The impact of stigma on healthcare workers living with HIV
Nurse Nomsa provides counselling to people who are living with HIV, yet even as a health worker the fear of stigma is so strong she has not disclosed to her children that she is living with the virus. more
Discriminatory laws hinder Burundi’s response to HIV
On Human Rights Day (10 December), Jean Claude Kamwenbusa reports on how the criminalisation of same sex relationships in Burundi is putting people’s health and lives at risk. more
Campaign seeks 1 million men to end gender based violence
Today, as around the world 16 days of activism against gender based violence begins, many Kenyans are asking if the campaign is likely to help eliminate this issue that contributes highly to new HIV infections. more
Young LGBT people in Kenya fight the odds and make life better for their peers
When Lily and her friends realised they were losing too many friends to AIDS they decided to do something about it. more
Scovia’s story: HIV stigma in rural South Sudan
Scovia, aged 22, who lives with her grandparents in the rural area of Kajokeji County in South Sudan, recently tested positive for HIV. more
Why I’m a citizen journalist
Claire Gasamagera explains why she became a citizen journalist. “I was born and have grown up with HIV. I became an activist when I was 18 as I couldn’t accept the way people living with HIV were treated as dying victims, not living human beings.” more
Criminalising HIV will stop people knowing their status
Criminalising HIV transmission will not help halt the spread of HIV – instead it will stop people from getting tested and increase the risk of further transmissions. more
My sister’s story: growing up with HIV, stigma and discrimination
In African cultures it’s expected that orphans will be taken care of but this does not necessarily apply to AIDS orphans. Claire shares a personal story. more
Our correspondents are writing for change on HIV issues relating to young people, as well as drug use.