Christian Aid photography exhibition highlights AIDS stigma

An exhibition to coincide with World AIDS Day today reveals the stigma still associated with the condition around the world.

Christian Aid has partnered with Magnum Photos for the 'Stigma Under The Lens' exhibition online and at Rich Mix gallery in Bethnal Green, London.

The exhibition is made up of thought-provoking audio-photographic slideshows that give some insight into the lives of brave HIV sufferers living under the shadow of stigma.

Although there have been considerable medical advances in the treatment of HIV since it was first identified 30 years ago, Christian Aid said that stigma still remains the biggest barrier to people accessing lifesaving treatment.

People featured in the exhibition come from Kenya, Bolivia, Tajikistan, India, and the UK.

The exhibition highlights the fact that there are still many people who would rather not know their status than have to live with discrimination in their families, the workplace or communities, including faith communities.

Winnie Ssanyu Sseruma, Advocacy officer for HIV at Christian Aid said: "Stigma is the biggest barrier to effectively tackling the spread of HIV. If HIV, and the stigma that surrounds the illness, is not understood and addressed then it will continue to devastate populations across the globe.

"Family, friends, communities and the church all have a role to play in helping to break down barriers of ignorance and misunderstanding.

"Self stigma is also a big problem and means that many people are too afraid to speak out for fear of what others might say about them; they are even too scared to visit a doctor and seek potentially life saving treatment."

The audio-photographic slideshows are available to view online at christianaid.org.uk/hiv and at Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London E1 6LA (www.richmix.org.uk) until 11 December.