Stigma
Meeting category
Date(s)
11 Nov 2020
Organizer

African Stigma & Discrimination Forum 2020

Related Enduring Materials

Enduring Materials

Wednesday, 11 November 2020

Opening Session - 14:00
14:00 (SAST/CAT)
Opening Words
Mark Nelson, MA, MBBS, FRCP
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital / Imperial College Medical School, United Kingdom
Salen Kambinda
Positive Vibes, Namibia
14:05 (SAST/CAT)
What Works to Reduce HIV-Related Stigma and Discrimination and How This Can Apply to COVID-19
Amanda Castel, MD
George Washington University, United States
14:20 (SAST/CAT)
How Stigma is Impacting the 90-90-90 Goals
Linda-Gail Bekker, MBChB, DTMH, DCH, FCP(SA), PhD
Desmond Tutu Health Foundation / University of Cape Town (UCT), South Africa
14:35 (SAST/CAT)
Overview of the National HIV/AIDS Response Program
Anne-Marie Nitschke
Namibia’s Ministry of Health and Social Services Directorate of Special Programmes
14:40 (SAST/CAT)
Q&A
Session 1: Barriers for Key Populations to Access Comprehensive Services - 15:15
15:15 (SAST/CAT)
Barriers for Key Populations to Access Comprehensive Services
Ricardo Walters
Positive Vibes Trust, South Africa
15:30 (SAST/CAT)
Discussion Pannel
Finn Reygan
Human Sciences Research Council, South Africa
Samuel Matsikure
GALZ, Zimbabwe
Victoria Kamule
TONATA, Namibia
Kossy Umeh
Y+, Nigeria
Doreen Moraa Moracha
I Am A Beautiful Story, Kenya
Session 2: What does SRHR mean in Real Life - Community Perspective - 16:15
16:15 (SAST/CAT)
Reduction of Stigma and Discrimination in Health Systems and Service Delivery
Morenike Oluwatoyin Folayan
Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria
16:30 (SAST/CAT)
Panel Discussion: What does SRHR mean in Real Life - Community Perspective
Abigail Solomons
Positive Vibes Trust, Namibia
Felicita Hikuam
Aids Rights Alliance of Southern Africa (ARASA), South Afirca
Tinah P’Ochan
Resilience, Uganda
17:00 (SAST/CAT)
Closing Remarks
Mark Nelson, MA, MBBS, FRCP
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital / Imperial College Medical School, United Kingdom
Salen Kambinda
Positive Vibes, Namibia
Overview
Welcome

The virtual African Stigma & Discrimination Forum took place on the afternoon of 11 November 2020. 

As shown by the significant and increasing reports of cities and countries achieving the 90-90-90 targets and beyond for the majority, HIV is now a treatable infection. In the past few years, there have been advances not only in the efficacy of medication but as importantly, improvements in their toxicity profile and ease of administration, leading to greater adherence overall resulting in positive long term results.

However, large groups of individuals either still remain undiagnosed, or are diagnosed but do not seek care. Indeed, undiagnosed individuals form the greatest gap in our 90-90-90 targets. For there to be further improvements in our cascades of care, it is essential that these groups are targeted.

But why does this happen?
Undoubtedly, this issue has much to do with fear. Particularly the fear of testing, receiving a positive diagnosis and attending an HIV center and the subsequent discrimination which either does or is perceived to occur.
Such fears result in unnecessary morbidity and mortality, particularly due to late diagnosis, along with an increased risk of transmission within the population.

Change is coming!
We are, however, striving to make a change and there are success stories!
Come and hear how you can challenge and be part of the solution to stigma and discrimination. Listen to stories of both success and failure from our experienced faculty.
The triumph of HIV treatment can only truly begin when we can succeed in improving testing and linkage to care. We are all beholden to take part in this challenge.

Program Chair

General Information 

Meeting Objectives
- Highlight the issues of stigma and discrimination in different settings and from different perspectives

- Summarize key strategies for the elimination of stigma and discrimination

- Strengthen the HIV care cascade in the African region, focusing on local solutions to fight stigma and discrimination
Disclaimer
This forum is intended for educational purposes only and aims to offer participants the opportunity to share information. The Organizing Secretariat of this forum, Virology Education, cannot accept any liability for the scientific content of the sessions or for any claims which may result from the use of information or publications from this forum. Virology Education disclaims all liability for injuries or losses of whatever nature incurred by individuals attending the forum .
Insurance and Liability
This conference is intended for educational purposes only and aims to offer participants the opportunity to share information. It is highly recommended that all participants carry proper individual travel and health insurance, as Virology Education, AIGHD and the INTEREST conference cannot accept liability for accidents, illness or injuries that may occur at or during the conference.
Photographs, Audio and Video Recording:
Photographs nor well as audio and video recordings are permitted at the official forum sessions. Only the official medical writer, appointed by the conference secretariat may make recordings. All presentations that we were granted permission for, will be posted on the forum website as soon as possible after the forum is finished, provided that the speaker has given permission to do so.
Support

This educational activity is supported by an independent educational grant from ViiV Healthcare.
ViiV Healthcare was not involved in the development of content or selection of faculty
for this educational activity.

Educational Partner
Endorsers
Endorsers

The African Stigma & Discrimination Forum is endorsed by the following societies and organizations. Their support and collaboration are key to the success of this workshop!

If you wish to become an endorser, please reach out to Rikke Rode at Rikke.Rode@amededu.com