An update on the stamp out stigma campaign

The TV ads were a great success thanks to all the celebs who participated. I think we definately raised the issue of stigma and discrimination in HIV and made people think, hopefully stamping it out in the process> It was a great learning experience for me as chair of the campaign.

It was the first time I had ever worked with the overseas development agencies such as Trocaire and Concern as well as Irish aid. While I would consider myself an AIDS activist, I ahve always involved myself in HIV and AIDS in Ireland, and while I was very aware of the situation in developing nations I felt powerless to help. Working with the overseas agencies made me believe that we can all make a difference. The SOS campaign was a local and global project and showing the ads here in Ireland will make people think about the difficult circumstances people face here and in the developing nations by highlighting the stigma and discrimination faced by positive people here and abroad. We are letting people know that this kind of treatment has to stop. Even in terms of prevention, removing the stigma attached to HIV and allowing people to be open about their diagnosis will enable positive people to discuss their HIV status without fear of rejection, stigma or in some cases, violence. We are hoping to get more funding this year to continue the campaign and have decided to set up a management committee to manage working groups. This will be a small group and will be elected by various agencies involved with SOS on the committee. We are looking for two positive people to get involved and help manage the working groups. This is a voluntary position and will not take up much time, so if you are interested in making a difference you can contact me at HIVhealth@gcn.ie and I will give you all the relevant information.    www.stampoutstigma.ie