Report Examines Discrimination Against, Social Exclusion of HIV-Positive People in Eastern Europe, CIS Region
"Living With HIV in Eastern Europe and CIS: The Human Cost of Social Exclusion," United Nations Development Programme: The report examined exclusion in the health, education and employment fields from the perspectives of people living with HIV. It is based on a study conducted in six countries in the region by UNDP, Oxford University researchers, local social research groups and organizations of HIV-positive people. The report found that discrimination and the social exclusion of HIV-positive people in the region are hindering efforts to curb the spread of HIV. In addition, many people living with the virus fear social stigma more than the health issues associated with HIV/AIDS, according to the report. It calls for efforts to respect individual rights and improve the status of marginalized groups in order to lower HIV transmission rates, curb health disparities, and bolster socioeconomic and development outcomes (UNDP release, 12/10).
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