Stigma has been described as an attribute that is deeply discrediting and reduces the bearer from a whole and usual person to a tainted and discounted one. Stigma emerges through a dynamic social process beginning when a difference is labelled, followed by negative stereotyping because of that difference. This leads to a separation of ‘us’ from ‘them’, followed by status loss and discrimination. Stigma and discrimination can act as barriers to seeking support, engagement in care and adherence to treatment across a range of health conditions globally.

Our consultants have been involved in a range of research projects on stigma and discrimination including:

• Impact evaluation studies to examine the impact of HIV stigma and discrimination on the implementation of HIV prevention programmes and interventions in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• HIV stigma measurement.
• Resource Needs Estimates to reduce HIV-related stigma and discrimination in low-and-middle-income countries.
• Developing indicators among law enforcement officers and health facilities to measure progress towards the societal enabler targets of HIV.
• Stigma related to gambling and gambling harms.