As the federal reporting centre, the Swiss AIDS Federation documents cases of discrimination and breaches of data protection against people living with HIV. To mark Zero Discrimination Day on 1 March, it publishes its annual discrimination report. The latest figures clearly show that the stigmatisation of HIV is not a marginal phenomenon, but remains a societal problem.

It is particularly serious that, once again, a significant proportion of the incidents took place within the healthcare sector – of all places, in the very area where professional support, safety and a relationship based on trust should be guaranteed. People living with HIV report being denied treatment, subjected to excessive protective measures or experiencing breaches of data protection. Unfounded fears of transmission and a lack of knowledge about the fact that the virus is not transmissible thanks to effective HIV treatment repeatedly lead to discrimination. For example, one patient was refused wound care after disclosing his HIV status, whilst in another case a clearly visible ‘HIV’ sign was attached to a hospital bed.

“Anyone living with HIV today who has access to HIV treatment cannot pass on the virus whilst on treatment. Nevertheless, people living with HIV experience stigmatisation and encounter uncertainty – sometimes precisely in the very places where they seek medical support. This clearly shows that our work is far from over,” says Andreas Lehner, Director of the Swiss AIDS Federation.

Structural disadvantages are also evident in private insurance, social security and the workplace. Insurance applications are rejected despite stable health, or are only approved subject to conditions. In a professional context, there are instances of inappropriate questions about health status or the disclosure of confidential information. Such experiences not only jeopardise the financial security of those affected, but also infringe upon their personal rights.

In many cases, the Swiss AIDS Federation, together with its regional member organisations, has been able to provide advice and support and intervene. However, the analysis also shows that Switzerland still lacks a comprehensive legal framework for protection against discrimination, which often makes legal action difficult or impossible. Furthermore, instances of discrimination are frequently not reported, which suggests that the true extent of the problem is much higher.

To mark Zero Discrimination Day on 1 March, the Swiss AIDS Federation is therefore calling for greater awareness within the healthcare sector, evidence-based risk assessment by insurance companies, and more comprehensive legal protection against discrimination. With its ‘Report it now!’ campaign, the Swiss AIDS Federation also aims to ensure that cases of discrimination based on HIV can be reported easily, directly and confidentially.