The primary aim of the study is to describe the stigma and discrimination experienced by PLHIV in Aotearoa New Zealand.

In addition, we aim to:

• Enable a process of empowerment for HIV positive interviewers and interviewees
• Inform an evidence base relating to stigma and discrimination that can be monitored over time
• Contribute to evidence to inform policy and programmes in Aotearoa, New Zealand
• Data can be used to identify where people are experiencing stigma therefore enabling responses targeted on those areas e.g. in the workplace, in social gatherings
• Compare the stigma and discrimination of PLHIV in NZ with other comparable countries (e.g. Australia, United Kingdom).

Data obtained from this study will be used to inform the implementation of policy and practice in New Zealand for the protection of people living with HIV (PLHIV). It will provide an evidence base for policy change and programmatic interventions and a baseline to measure how stigma, discrimination and the rights of PLHIV change.

The questionnaire and the idea of conducting the survey, was developed by the Global Network of People Living with HIV (GNP+) and the International Community of Women Living with HIV or AIDS (ICW), with financial and management support from the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS). Visit stigmaindex.org for further details.