Supporting Zero HIV Stigma Day 2025
- web81754
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
On 21 July, Mildmay Hospital stands with individuals and communities around the world for Zero HIV Stigma Day - a global initiative that calls attention to the ongoing impact of stigma and discrimination on people living with and affected by HIV.
This year’s theme, “HIV Stigma Warriors,” honours those who challenge stigma every day, through their words, their work, and their lives. It’s a call to action, but also a moment to recognise courage, resilience, and leadership.
What Is Zero HIV Stigma Day?
Zero HIV Stigma Day is about awareness, visibility, and solidarity. It was created to highlight the damage caused by stigma, not just to individuals, but to our collective efforts to end the HIV epidemic. It brings together people living with HIV, healthcare professionals, activists, and allies to challenge prejudice and change the narrative.
Stigma continues to be one of the biggest obstacles to HIV prevention, testing, and treatment. It isolates people, damages mental health, and deters them from seeking the care they need. In the worst cases, it costs lives.
The Ongoing Impact of HIV Stigma
Despite decades of progress in treatment and prevention, many people still face discrimination based on outdated myths and misinformation. HIV stigma shows up in many ways:
In harmful stereotypes and assumptions
In the way services are delivered or denied
In workplaces, communities, and even in healthcare settings
In the internalised shame that stigma can create
It doesn’t affect everyone equally. The impact of stigma is often compounded by racism, sexism, transphobia, homophobia, poverty, and other forms of structural inequality. Tackling stigma requires an intersectional approach - and a clear commitment to human rights.
Why Zero HIV Stigma Day is on 21 July
Zero HIV Stigma Day takes place on 21 July to honour Prudence Nobantu Mabele, a South African activist and the first woman in the country to publicly disclose her HIV status. Born in July 1971, Prudence was a powerful advocate for women and children living with HIV and a vocal campaigner against gender-based violence. She passed away in 2017, and this global day of action marks her legacy and leadership.
July 21st, Prudence’s birthday, was chosen as the annual date for Zero HIV Stigma Day to honour her work and tireless activism to end HIV stigma. Prudence set a precedent for women with HIV to discuss their status with loved ones without shame, to seek treatment and care, and to lead happy and fulfilled lives. IAPAC, FTCI, GNP+, PAC, and HCAI are committed to honouring Prudence’s legacy as we mobilize and support yearlong actions to achieve the global Zero HIV Stigma Day movement’s goal of ending HIV stigma in all its forms.
Mildmay’s Commitment
At Mildmay, we challenge HIV stigma every day - not just on 21 July. We work alongside our patients through holistic, person-centred care to support recovery, dignity, and independence. We know that stigma is a barrier to health, and we strive to create an environment where everyone is treated with respect, empathy, and understanding.
What You Can Do
Whether you’re living with HIV, supporting someone who is, or simply want to be part of the change, here are a few ways to take action:
Challenge stereotypes when you hear them—at work, online, in conversation.
Share accurate information about HIV to help dismantle myths and fear.
Show solidarity by listening, learning, and supporting without judgment.
Join the conversation on social media using #ZeroHIVStigmaDay
We All Have a Role to Play
Zero HIV Stigma Day reminds us that ending stigma is just as important as providing treatment. At Mildmay, we’ve been doing this work for 40 years - and we’re still here because people believe in what we do.
If you’d like to support us:
For more information, visit zerohivstigma.org/
Photo credit: David East on Unsplash
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