48% of people with HIV have suffered discrimination due to serophobia
According to a recent report, 48% of people with HIV in Catalonia have experienced discrimination due to serophobia. This alarming data comes from the ‘HIV and discrimination’ 2023 survey, carried out by the 1st of December Committee and the AIDS NGO Platform of Catalonia, which includes 19 entities. The study collected the responses of 174 adults living with HIV living in Catalonia.
Various forms of discrimination
The survey also revealed other forms of discrimination that people with HIV have experienced. 34% of respondents reported discrimination based on sexual orientation (LGTBI-phobia), while 19.5% experienced discrimination on the grounds of racism or xenophobia. In addition, 17% experienced discrimination because of their drug addiction situation, and 19% were discriminated against for other health-related reasons.
Low reporting and lack of support
The report highlights that the majority of people who have suffered discrimination have not reported these situations. In particular, 88.5% of the people affected have not filed a complaint. On the other hand, of the people who did report, half did not feel supported (50%) and 55% were not satisfied with the results obtained.
Socioeconomic inequalities
The report also highlights the socio-economic inequalities affecting people with HIV. 45% of this group has an income of less than 1,000 euros per month, and 18% has no income at all. In addition, 64% of the people surveyed have an income of less than 1,500 euros. These figures are even more alarming in the case of women, since 34% of them have no income and only 11% earn more than 1,500 euros per month.
Location in Barcelona
In Barcelona, the Ciutat Vella district has the highest number of HIV diagnoses in people under the age of 4 (50%). In addition, this district stands out for having the highest percentage of people with no income compared to other districts in the city.
Mechanisms to face discrimination
The report calls for measures to be implemented to detect, report and remedy situations of discrimination. It also highlights the importance of raising awareness and making visible the situations of discrimination suffered by people with HIV, especially those in situations of social exclusion or vulnerability. A collective, community and comprehensive approach is called for to guarantee the rights of this group.
