EJAF AmericasOur US sister organisation is based in New York and makes grants to the Americas and Caribbean. EJAF WorldwideWe are based in London and fund projects across the globe including Africa, Asia and Europe. No More Discrimination
Stigma is still HIV's most deadly symptom. We have cheap, easy ways to test for HIV, and ever more effective drugs to treat the HIV virus. We cannot use them if people living with or very vulnerable to HIV are shunned, hidden, or denied their human rights. Compassion cures discrimination. It needs no special training or qualifications, just a belief that all people deserve the chance to protect themselves and others. Without compassion, we cannot create an AIDS free future.
The Statistics46Countries inflict travel or stay restrictions on people living with HIV. 21%Of people living with HIV in the UK have experienced some form of harassment or assault because of their status. 79%Of people living with HIV are afraid of discrimination after making their status known. Our ResponseWe believe everyone is entitled to dignity, respect and compassion. We have made it our mission from the start to support those who are stigmatised by society just because they are living with or at high risk of HIV. Our funding provides them with the means to prevent infection, to access medicine and carry on with their lives. From the red light district of Mumbai to the prisons of St Petersburg and the slums of Glasgow, we have provided access to information, condoms, clean needles and HIV tests to those in need. As more countries criminalise homosexuality around the world, we have deliberately expanded the work of programmes that offer HIV prevention, treatment and support in a non-judgmental environment to men who have sex with men (MSM). Only by making sure that no one is left behind can we get closer to achieving an AIDS free future. Our Progress83,000Highly stigmatised people at risk of HIV have been supported by our programmes <5%Of men who have sex with men are coming forward to receive the medical treatment they need 10%Our goal is to double the availability of treatment for men who have sex with men Project — Nepali MSM & Transgender ProjectNepalese law remains silent on homosexuality but men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender (meti) communities face extreme stigma and frequent abuse from the police and general population. Nepalese law remains silent on homosexuality but men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender (meti) communities face extreme stigma and frequent abuse from the police and general population. The shocking injuries pictured here are the result of an unprovoked attack by a group of men on a young meti in Kathmandu in 2004. Fortunately the meti survived this horrific attack and has given permission for these pictures to be used to illustrate the level of violence and danger faced by their community. In such an environment it is easy to see how the MSM & meti communities were not being reached by mainstream awareness campaigns or HIV/AIDS services. Blue Diamond Society (BDS) saw this need and bravely took a stand initiating HIV/AIDS services designed for and by these communities and dedicated to meeting their needs. EJAF has helped BDS to establish these services and to become a leading light in this field, winning a number of international awards in recognition of its work.
We support BDS to provide HIV/AIDS information and education as well as condoms and lubricant, STI diagnosis and treatment, HIV counselling and testing, positive living and antiretroviral treatment support and a hospice for those who need it. The project's outreach activities are conducted by MSM & meti peer educators who risk their own safety to undertake this work. BDS is working hard to try and change the prevailing attitude towards their communities in Nepal and has had some significant successes - including getting the first transgender person legally recognised in February 2007. However there is still much to do before this vulnerable community's rights are fully recognised and respected and they are able to access all HIV/AIDS services What You Can DoMake a difference in the lives of those infected or affected by HIV and support us to continue our vital work. What We Can DoIf you are a charitable organisation and share our commitment to making the future AIDS free we may be able to help. Our GoalsNo More
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