The Sigma 2.0 survey, carried out in 2021 in Togo, highlighted the persistence of stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS and key populations in healthcare establishments. These practices hinder access to health services, compromise prevention and treatment efforts, and violate the fundamental rights of these vulnerable groups. In this context, it is essential to raise awareness among health personnel to promote respectful care without discrimination.

The Cupidon network in collaboration with partners https://cnlstogo.org/cnls/ and the RAS+ (Network of People Living with HIV) aim to provide health personnel with the knowledge and skills necessary to prevent and combat stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS and key populations in Togo . This awareness-raising aims to promote inclusive and respectful practices, guaranteeing equality of care and respect for human rights. This is thanks to the financial support of the American people through the PEPFAR and l’USAID.

This meeting served as a framework to raise awareness among health personnel about services free of stigma and discrimination, the prevention of GBV and its treatment.

At the end of these meetings, all stakeholders are expected to:

• The concepts of stigma and discrimination are explained;
• HIV/AIDS texts and laws are exchanged;
• Health workers are made aware of the consequences of stigma and discrimination for people living with HIV/AIDS;
• A stigma and discrimination-free care environment for people living with HIV/AIDS and key populations is fostered;
• Caring and non-discriminatory communication between health workers and people living with HIV/AIDS and key populations is promoted;
• The knowledge of health personnel on the detection of GBV and its treatment is strengthened.

PROFILE OF PARTICIPANTS AND FRAMEWORK OF AWARENESS

These meetings were attended by the healthcare provider whose profiles were: ARV prescribers, mediators, nurses; duty supervisor; Data entry operator, security officer of health centers as well as managers of health structures.

The awareness-raising activities were led by, the community activities manager of the Permanent Secretariat of the National Council for the Fight against AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections (SP/CNLS-IST) in the person of Mme Victoire TCHANGAI ; the President of the network of people living with (HIV RAS+ TOGO), appointed Augustin DOKLA as well as the coordinator of the Community Led Monitoring /TOGO project (CLM-TG) implemented by the CUPIDON network in the person of Mr. Agnim Valery BITCHATOU.

Four structures have been identified in the Grand Lomé health region for this first to raise awareness among health personnel on discrimination, stigma and Gender-Based Violence. The various participants were reminded of the legal provisions put in place by the Togolese authorities to protect and respect human rights, such as ‘’the law protecting PLHIV’’ etc…

We retain : qthat there are pejorative terms against people living with HIV to be prohibited in language and in our workplaces “the cases”, “the sick”, “the patients”. Without realizing these terms are shocking.

The privacy of every individual is sacred, the universal declaration of human rights in its Article 12 says : « No one will be subject to arbitrary interference in their private life, family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks on their honor and reputation. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks.».

The Togolese constitution confirms this provision in particular in its article 28, paragraph 2 « Every citizen has the right to protection of his or her private life».

Thus texts and laws condemn such types of behavior. The code for the protection of people living with HIV in its chapter V section 1 contains provisions that protect people living with HIV/AIDS. Chapter 5, article 22 says that people living with HIV/AIDS enjoy all the rights attached to human dignity. Any infringement or restriction of any of these rights due to a person’s HIV status is prohibited. As such, it must not be placed on public premises. Discretion and confidentiality are very important elements in HIV care. Hence communication must be adequate. Any service must be carried out in a strictly private setting. Also, in a hospital environment the judgment; the minimum service offer is not necessary.

Provisions are also made to punish these inappropriate practices, in particular the code on the protection of people in matters of HIV/AIDS Chapter VII. Ultimately, Chapter V, Section 1, is dedicated to protection against acts of discrimination and stigma against people living with HIV/AIDS; Chapter VII sets out the applicable criminal sanctions.

THIS ACTIVITY WAS MADE POSSIBLE DUE TO THE GENEROUS SUPPORT OF THE U.S. GOVERNMENT, BUT THE CONTENT IS NOT THEIR RESPONSIBILITY.