The HU Stigma Project

Known today as the HU Stigma Project, our efforts to address stigma began in 2009. Then, the Coalition for Elimination of AIDS-related Stigma (CEAS), a group of professionals, community leaders, concerned individuals and organizations, came together to focus efforts to eliminate the stigma associated with HIV. As a group, they recognized that stigma prevented individuals from getting tested for HIV, seeking medical care, disclosing diagnosis to loved ones, and adhering to treatment and follow up.

Fighting stigma comes in many forms. Through our art contest, fashion shows, events and outreach activities, we measure the burden of stigma, test the effectiveness of intervention mechanisms, implement appropriate strategies and determine their effect over time.

Our major focus each year is the International Conference on Stigma. It originated with a focus on HIV-related issues, but has grown as a major global platform to talk about various forms of stigma. Each year, the conference brings together researchers, educators, policymakers, activists, faith leaders, youth, workgroups, and community leaders to discuss strategies to overcome stigma.

“To address stigma, love and community are the cure. Most people with stigmatized illnesses like HIV have suffered layers and layers of trauma. Today, addressing different forms of stigma involves providing people opportunities to tell their stories without facing rejection.” – Sohail Rana, M.D., a professor of pediatrics at the Howard University College of Medicine and conference director.