Stigma/Legal

HIV-related stigma compromises the well-being of people with the disease. Stigmatized individuals may suffer discrimination that can lead to loss of employment and housing, estrangement from family and society, and increased risk of violence. HIV-related stigma can also drive new HIV infections because it can deter people from getting tested for the disease, make them less likely to acknowledge their risk of infection, and discourage those who are HIV-positive from discussing their HIV status with their partners and families.