July 21st marks Zero HIV Stigma Day – a global call to action to challenge and eliminate the stigma that continues to affect the lives of millions of people living with HIV. At AFEW International, we know that stigma is not just a label, it’s a barrier. A barrier to healthcare, to mental well-being, to safety, and to dignity. Stigma can silence people, isolate them from their communities, and deny them the opportunities they deserve and they have rights for.
Why this day matters
Many people living with HIV still face unfair treatment and are judged by old ideas, fear, and lack of knowledge. Zero HIV Stigma Day 2025 asks us to go beyond labels and build a world where HIV does not decide someone’s value or future.
In Eastern Europe and Central Asia, people living with HIV still face discrimination in hospitals, at work, in schools, and even at home. This year’s theme reminds us to listen to their stories and take community-led, rights-based action to stop stigma in every part of life. Because ending stigma is not just about HIV – it’s about inclusion, dignity, and justice for everyone.
Our commitment
For over 25 years, AFEW International has been at the forefront of supporting underserved populations and communities affected by HIV across Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Throughout these years, we’ve led and supported a lot of impactful projects, all aimed at building a future where every person – regardless of HIV status – is treated with dignity, care, and equality.
One of our initiatives focussing on reduction of stigma is the “See What Matters” campaign, launched two years ago. This strong campaign is still relevant today. It challenges harmful stereotypes and reminds us to focus on the person, not the label. The goal of this campaign aims to help women living with or affected by HIV feel more confident and supported and to show to the society that stigma ends when we choose to see with empathy and clarity.
In Uzbekistan with the financial support of EU, we currently implement a project titled “Empowering Voices for Inclusive Development: Strengthening Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Uzbekistan, focusing on women and youth.” Through this project, AFEW and its partners aim to enhance the capacities of 15 local CSOs in Uzbekistan, which are dedicated to assisting people living with HIV (PLHIV) and those affected by HIV, with a particular emphasis on women and youth. The objective is to mitigate stigma and discrimination against individuals with HIV and those affected by it using a unique Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) approach. One of the recent activities within the project – sessions for both parents and medical professionals on how to disclose HIV status to adolescents. These trainings offer more than just information – they create spaces for understanding, emotional support, and tools for building trust. Because when it comes to young people, language, timing, and compassion matter deeply.
Through regional partnerships, we continue bridging the gaps between communities, services and governments by:
- Creating safe, inclusive spaces for open dialogue and learning
- Strengthening our partners
- Advancing people-centered approaches to public health
What you can do
Everyone can help to fight stigma. Today at Zero HIV Stigma Day 2025we invite you to take action:
- Share your stories about HIV-related stigma – truthfully, compassionately, and without judgment
- Challenge stigma wherever you see it – whether in your workplace, community, or online
- Support organizations working to advance health equity, inclusion, and dignity for all. Let’s break the stigma – together.
- Support AFEW International! Donate today and help us continue improving health and human rights for underserved communities across Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Name: Stichting AFEW international. Bank account: NL43 ABNA 0594 0159 52
