NEW PARTNERSHIP TO FIGHT STIGMA
28 June 2001

A commitment to fighting the stigma around people with HIV/AIDS is the cornerstone to a partnership between the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the Global Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS (GNP+). The announcement was made at the UN General Assembly's Special Session on HIV/AIDS.

"By engaging in this partnership the Red Cross and Red Crescent wants to send a clear message to the world that our emblem will protect people living with HIV/AIDS. We will accept no discrimination and will commit ourselves to fighting stigma wherever we meet it," said International Federation President, Dr Astrid N. Heiberg.

Stigma does not only mean that people are discriminated against. It also kills. "If coming out as HIV-positive means that you will be stigmatized, it is hard to encourage people to have a HIV-test. But the possible consequences of not knowing one's HIV-status are too awful. Fighting stigma saves lives," said Josephine
Chiturumani, a Zimbabwe Red Cross volunteer living with HIV.

Head of the GNP+, Stuart Flavell, believes that the support of a long established organisation such as the Red Cross Red Crescent means a lot for GNP+ members whilst working with communities and authorities to change attitudes.

"Stigma rises within everyday life. Addressing this requires a big heart and a long term commitment. The fact that our two very different organisations have decided to work together shows that we have this commitment," said Stuart Flavell.

Both organisations call for a greater involvement of people living with HIV/AIDS in fighting stigma, preventing further spread of the disease and caring for people dying from AIDS.

The International Federation has supported the production of the French, Spanish and Portuguese translations of the GNP+ manual for people living with HIV/AIDS entitled "Positive Development" and will increase its cooperation in their campaign to fight stigma.

For further information, or to set up interviews, please contact:

New York

Helge Kvam, Information Officer, IFRC + 1 212 338 0161
Mobile + 41 79 308 9829

Geneva
Christopher Black, Information Officer : +41 22 730 4377 / +41 79 416 3881

The Geneva-based International Federation promotes the humanitarian activities of 181 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies among vulnerable people. By coordinating international disaster relief and encouraging development support, it seeks to prevent and alleviate human suffering. The Federation, National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross together, constitute the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.