The process

Operationalizing the Greater Involvement of People Living with HIV

The People Living with HIV Stigma 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 People Living with HIV Stigma Index will empower both the individuals and communities most affected by the epidemic.

The People Living with HIV Stigma Index can 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 People Living with HIV Stigma 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 People Living with HIV Stigma Index will therefore be both a catalyst for creating and foster change in the communities in which it is used.