Stigma Index

The process

The Index is a tool to be used by, as well as for, people living with HIV. The Index supports the GIPA (Greater Involvement of People living with HIV and AIDS) principle through being driven by PLHIV and their networks. By acting on this principle the Index will empower both the individuals and communities most affected by the epidemic.

As the Index moves from concept to scale-up it will be adopted by a variety of different  groups of people living with HIV. Its design and construction allow it to be used independently. Groups can then use it to understand experiences of stigma and discrimination in their locality. The use of the Index over time - in conjunction with these surveys - will be instrumental in increasing our collective understanding and detecting changes and trends.

The benefits of the Index for those conducting it go further than collecting much-needed evidence. The process of empowering people living with HIV, their networks and communities is crucial. The Index will therefore be both a catalyst for creating and foster change in the communities in which it is used.