Zero Discrimination Day 2026 – People First
📅 March 1, 2026
On this year’s Zero Discrimination Day, the theme is “People First.”
On 1 March 2026, UNAIDS calls for urgent action to address the persistent discrimination faced by people living with and at risk of HIV. Stigma and discrimination continue to undermine access to health services, violate human rights, and slow progress toward ending AIDS by 2030.
The evidence is clear:
Nearly 1 in 4 people living with HIV report experiencing stigma, including in healthcare settings.
85% experience internalized stigma, affecting their confidence, wellbeing, and health-seeking behavior.
Fear of rejection and judgment forces many to hide their HIV status or interrupt life-saving treatment.
HIV-related stigma is not a side issue — it is a serious barrier to ending AIDS.
On this day, we call on governments, healthcare providers, employers, communities, and individuals to:
✔️ Listen to the voices of people living with and affected by HIV
✔️ Act on evidence-based solutions
✔️ Create safe, discrimination-free health systems
✔️ Ensure no one feels “less than” because of their HIV status
At NEP+, we stand firmly with communities. Everyone has the right to live a full, productive life with dignity.
Let’s sustain what works.
Let’s stand with communities.
Let’s share the facts.
Let’s put People First.
