Thanks to everyone who sent me good wishes for a speedy recovery from my broken ankle, as well as all the links and great advice about rebuilding bone strength.  I’ll have more on that topic later, but did want to express my appreciation for the thoughtful emails I received.

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GNP+ (Global Network of People Living With HIV) has just conducted an online survey about stigma and what PLHIV think are the most important elements to measure. More than 200 American PLHIV took part, which is a terrific response.  Thank you.

This was one of the very few opportunities the average person with HIV has to express their experience, thoughts and opinions in a way that will ultimately reach global policy leaders. The results from the survey will inform the work of GNP+ is the largest network of people with HIV in the world as it suggests what measurements for stigma are most important for PLHIV - to include in national reporting, program interventions and UNGASS indicators.  I will share the headline findings as soon as they are available.

A few months ago, I joined the board of the North American affiliate of the GNP+ , in large part because of GNP+’ focus on empowerment, stigma, discrimination, criminalization, human rights and similar issues affecting people with HIV.

GNP+NA will also focus on stigma in our presentation at the US Conference on AIDS in September. What can we do in the US about this? What PLHIV led initiatives are there out there to systematically record the Stigma we experience to give us robust evidence on which to base program and advocacy?

We will be talking about the PLHIV Stigma Index (a global initiative founded by GNP+, the International Planned Parenthood Federation, the International Community of Women and UNAIDS) why North America is the only part of the world which has not implemented the PLHIV Stigma Index in any part of its region.

If you are attending the USCA, try to attend our panel. Thanks.