When someone is diagnosed with HIV, other people may have negative attitudes and beliefs about that person's behaviour, lifestyle or circumstances in life. These negative associations form what's called stigma, an experience that can decrease quality of life because it includes:

-judging
-labelling
-isolation
-prejudice
-stereotyping
-discrimination

These types of reactions to those living with HIV are based on misinformation about the infection. Stigma remains one of the greatest barriers for Canadians in accessing:

-HIV prevention
-testing
-treatment
-support

Efforts to end stigma will help to:

-prevent new infections
-reach the undiagnosed
-ensure that people living with HIV receive the care, treatment and support they need