Key programmes
Fighting HIV stigma and discrimination in Mexico
We wanted to respond in places where nobody else was responding. And help people who are working in those places to have some resources 
Juan Jacobo Hernandez, General Coordinator, Colectivo Sol
Stigma is a critical barrier to effective prevention, early detection and treatment of HIV and AIDS. There are nearly 150,000 people living with HIV in Mexico, which has the third highest number of cases in the region.
In partnership with the International HIV/AIDS Alliance and Colectivo Sol, Positive Action is supporting a programme called Vida Digna (dignity in life), to help reduce the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV and AIDS in four of Mexico’s most socially conservative states.
The three-year project will help small community-based organisations to identify and tackle HIV-related stigma and discrimination. The project is based on promoting and advocating human rights with vulnerable sectors of the population, including commercial sex workers, drug users, men-who-have-sex-with-men and people living with HIV and AIDS. Vida Digna has also established a nationwide stigma and discrimination network with a supporting website for groups and individuals across Mexico.
Jenny’s story:
Jenny is a transsexual and like many of her friends, is a sex worker. She was regularly subjected to extreme stigma and discrimination, including being beaten up by the local police. This stopped her and many others from accessing healthcare services that would protect them from HIV infection. With Positive Action’s support Jenny set up a sex workers group that has reduced police discrimination and secured access to the much-needed medical services.
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