C-SAFE Stigma Reduction Initiative

Abstract

This study took place in Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Zambia and resulted in the publication of an extensive toolkit for stigma reduction activities, Understanding and Challenging HIV Stigma. Using qualitative and quantitative analysis, researchers drew several conclusions about the causes, context, experience, and consequences of stigma and made recommendations for program interventions based on their analysis. Staff of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and community-based organizations (CBOs), were specifically identified as a priority group for stigma reduction activities. It was recommended that NGOs and CBOs train their own staff to recognize and deal with stigma, to incorporate stigma reduction into all their activities, and to critically review all their communication methods and materials with an eye toward reducing stigmatization