International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF)

The Positive? Awareness of and Attitudes to HIV in the UK project is the third phase of a three-part programme that sees the development and dissemination of a multi-media educational resource and campaign package for schools to promote HIV awareness and stigma reduction. The kit will be used as a curriculum based product in 6,500 schools in the UK, as well as at a host of round table events with the Department of Education, and national screenings across the UK for ‘National Schools Film Week’.

The robust findings from the People Living with HIV (PLHIV) Stigma Index in the UK provided the first systematic evidence that documents PLHIV’s experiences of stigma. The findings have significant implications for policies and practices, including those relating to HIV, as well as health services, poverty, employment, education, social attitudes and immigration. HIV related stigma is well recognised as a hurdle when addressing prevention and care, and creates a stumbling block in ensuring access to essential services. This phase builds on the results and activities in Phases I and II by focusing on schools, young people and teachers to build and promote social change and justice across every school in the UK, with an initial catchment of 6,500 state run schools.

The project seeks to educate young people about the impact of stigmatizing attitudes and beliefs around HIV in the UK. By focusing the development of an ‘HIV stigma-free’ generation the project seeks to improve the quality of lives of PLHIV as well as those most vulnerable to stigma (including men who have sex with men, sex workers and people who use drugs). The project also seeks to enhance the knowledge, awareness and attitudes of young school goers in the UK by providing informed, engaging, and accurate information about sexual and reproductive health and about HIV. In so doing the project also seeks to support more effective stigma-free HIV prevention in schools.