Stigma Index in their own country and gain an understanding of the history & background,  

the rationale for, and the partners involved in the People living with HIV Stigma  Index; including  reflect on their personal experiences and be able to link these with the dimensions of recent studies and projects addressing stigma - and key aspects of the Index; 

In preparation for a similar country level rollout process in the Middle East, North Africa and Arab region, the participants have convened the meeting in order to introduce the Index to representatives from networks and organisations of people living with HIV from different countries in the region. It was anticipated that by introducing PLHIV representatives to the Index each country team was able to consider their stigma strategy in their own countries, and if so, how they would like to implement the Index in their respective countries.   In addition, it is hoped that the different country teams will begin to consider what skills, resources and partnerships will be required to implement the Index in their country – should they consider it a valuable initiative to implement at all.

On conclusion, participants were develop an action plan which illustrates how they and their network / organisation will take the implementation of the Index forward in their country following to this meeting; and once implemented across various countries in the region, and across different continents, which will increase our understanding of how stigma and discrimination is experienced by people living with HIV across time, geographical location and different community groups.  It is hoped that the evidence gained will contribute to shaping future programmatic interventions and policy change in support of people living with HIV in various contexts.

                               Author: Anwar Warsame

                                 SAHAN Executive Director