Interventions to prevent HIV-related stigma and discrimination: findings and recommendations for public health practice

Abstract

Stigma and discrimination exist in many forms, undermining individual and community health. Interventions to combat stigma and discrimination are essential to prevent the spread of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS). Health departments, and others, can benefit by mounting specific interventions against these threats to public health. In New York State, interventions against HIV-related stigma and discrimination are integral components of the comprehensive approach to HIV prevention. For maximum impact, multiple interventions are employed at both policy and program levels. This article summarizes the need for interventions, discusses practical examples from actual experience, and presents the synergy of multiple interventions in a logic model.