Presentation

Throughout history, few infectious diseases have had the high levels of stigma and discrimination levels that HIV infection has, generating and enormous impact on people's lives and jeopardizing the achievement of the epidemiological goals of controlling and ending the pandemic.

Countries have accepted global commitments aimed at ending the HIV and AIDS Epidemic in 2030 in the context of the Sustainable Development Agenda. One key aspect for effective prevention and control measures is to guarantee and protect the dignity and rights of those affected by HIV. That involves removing the complex stigma and discrimination associated with it.

Thus, stigma and discrimination elimination is a political priority of the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, and as such is reflected in the high-level meeting on "HIV and Human Rights: Political action to achieve zero stigma", which will take place on September 15 at The Royal Alcázar of Seville.