In a recent update from World AIDS Day, it was revealed that over 1.1 million people in the U.S. are living with HIV, with 38,000 new diagnoses annually. The conference, held in New York City, focused on the #workingpositively pledge and celebrated achievements in the fight against HIV. The goal of the pledge is to inspire companies to create safe and inclusive spaces for people living with HIV and other chronic illnesses. A panel discussion at the conference explored various topics, including psychological safety at work, misconceptions about HIV, barriers to healthcare, and the stigma against chronic illnesses.
The #workingpositively pledge calls on companies to take specific actions to support employees with HIV. These actions include fighting stigma, welcoming employees with HIV, providing opportunities for engagement with HIV services, honoring privacy, and promoting the commitment internally and on social media. The pledge is part of the #workingpositively Campaign, which was co-founded by Axel Wedler in 2019. Inclusive employers are encouraged to create welcoming workplaces for people with HIV, as they benefit from the diverse perspectives and talents of these individuals.
The Human Rights Campaign, which organized the conference, offers resources and programs for employees living with HIV. The article provides links to the pledge, resources, and the #workingpositively page.
On International Sex Workers' Day, 2nd June 2024, UNAIDS stands in solidarity with sex workers in support of their health. Structural and societal stigma and discrimination, including punitive laws, widen inequalities and prevent sex workers from protecting their health. Criminalization creates barriers to accessing HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and sexual and reproductive health services. Decriminalization of sex work could avert between 33% and 46% of HIV infections among sex workers and their clients over a ten-year period. Currently, 168 countries have punitive laws that criminalize some aspect of sex work. A growing number of jurisdictions are recognizing the need to decriminalize sex work to protect sex workers. In May 2024, Queensland in Australia decriminalized sex work. UNAIDS calls for the removal of punitive laws and the acceleration of action to tackle stigma, discrimination, and violence faced by sex workers.
This article discusses the recent health policies of Kamala Harris and efforts to overcome HIV stigma. It provides a recap of articles published on sister sites during the past week, including Chief Healthcare Executive, AJMC, Formulary Watch, and Managed Healthcare Executive. The article also mentions other topics such as risk reduction in patients with psoriasis and highlights from the FDA in July 2024.