Stigma, discrimination, and gender-based violence complicate and perpetuate the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pandemic. Although remarkable strides have transformed AIDS from a rapidly fatal infectious illness to a chronic manageable illness, HIV-based stigma, discrimination, and gender-based violence, together known as AIDSism, still exist and have not been transformed in the same way as the illness itself. These barriers continue to have a negative impact on prevention and testing as well as in engagement, retention, and adherence to care. This chapter explores the role that clinicians can play in recognizing and ameliorating HIV stigma, discrimination, and gender-based violence in order to diminish both suffering and HIV transmission and lead to compassionate and competent approaches to care.
P14.16 Self reported hiv discrimination and willingness to disclose hiv seropositivity among a sample of turks and caicos islanders
