Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Addressing Stigma, Discrimination, and Human Rights

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Book cover The AIDS Pandemic

  • 678 Accesses

Abstract

The Global Programme on AIDS (GPA) continued efforts to address discrimination and stigma surrounding the disease. In particular, we detail in this chapter how GPA tackled controversial travel bans adopted by several countries, including the United States, which restricted entry of people with HIV and AIDS. This included navigating the politics of AIDS and AIDS activism, particularly with regard to the 6th International Conference on AIDS in San Francisco in 1990 and the International Conference of People Living with HIV in Acapulco, Mexico in 1993. We describe how GPA tried to operationalize a health and human rights framework into its activities at global and country levels, a framework that had first been put forth by GPA’s founding Director, Jonathan Mann.

Within this chapter the singular pronouns I and my refer to Michael Merson alone, whereas the plural pronouns we and us generally refer to Michael Merson and Stephen Inrig jointly. Where we or us refers to Michael Merson and his colleagues at WHO, the object of the pronoun is clarified by context.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution

Institutional subscriptions

Notes

  1. 1.

    These paragraphs adapted from Stephen Inrig, “In a Place So Ordinary: North Carolina and the Problem of AIDS, 1981–1997,” Duke University, PhD Dissertation, 2007.

  2. 2.

    For the purposes of this text, we will use the term AIDS to encompass both AIDS and HIV unless otherwise specified.

  3. 3.

    “Arrest of Dutch Visitor with AIDS Protested,” The Charlotte Observer, April 5, 1989, 2A.

  4. 4.

    M. Greeff, R. Phetlhu, L. N. Makoae, et al., “Disclosure of HIV status: experiences and perceptions of persons living with HIV/AIDS and nurses involved in their care in Africa,” Qualitative Health Research, 2008, 18(3):311–324; A. N. Miller and D. L. Rubin, “Factors leading to self-disclosure of a positive HIV diagnosis in Nairobi, Kenya: people living with HIV/AIDS in the Sub-Sahara,” Qualitative Health Research, 2007, 17(5):586–598; B. P. Ncama, P. A. McInerney, B. R. Bhengu, et al., “Social support and medication adherence in HIV disease in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa,” International Journal of Nursing Studies, 2008, 45(12):1757–1763; J. Iwelunmor, C. O. Airhihenbuwa, T. A. Okoror, D. C. Brown, and R. Belue, “Family systems and HIV/AIDS in South Africa,” International Quarterly of Community Health Education, 2006, 27(4):321–335; T. A. Okoror, C. O. Airhihenbuwa, M. Zungu, D. Makofani, D. C. Brown, and J. Iwelunmor, “My mother told me i must not cook anymore—food, culture, and the context of HIV- and aids-related stigma in three communities in South Africa,” International Quarterly of Community Health Education, 2007, 28(3):201–213; L. C. Simbayi, S. Kalichman, A. Strebel, A. Cloete, N. Henda, and A. Mqeketo, “Internalized stigma, discrimination, and depression among men and women living with HIV/AIDS in Cape Town, South Africa,” Social Science and Medicine, 2007, 64(9):1823–1831; The Commission on Human Rights, “The Protection of Human Rights in the Context of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)” A/HRC/RES/16/28, 2011; K. Wood and H. Lambert, “Coded talk, scripted omissions: the micropolitics of AIDS talk in South Africa,” Medical Anthropology Quarterly, 2008, 22(3):213–233; C. I. Ulasi, P. O. Preko, J. A. Baidoo, et al., “HIV/AIDS-related stigma in Kumasi, Ghana,” Health and Place, 2009, 15(1):255–262, 2009.

  5. 5.

    Michael Merson, “Report of the Director, Fifth meeting of the Management Committee, Provisional agenda item 3: Geneva. 26–28 November 1990,” Geneva: World Health Organization, 26 November 1990 GPA/GMC (2)90.3, 11.

  6. 6.

    Ibid.

  7. 7.

    Constitution of the World Health Organization. Geneva: World Health Organization. 1948.

  8. 8.

    Lawrence O. Gostin, “At Law: The Human Right to Health: A Right to the “Highest Attainable Standard of Health” The Hastings Center Report, Mar.–Apr., 2001, 31(2):29.

  9. 9.

    General Comment 14, E/C.12/2000/4, 4 July 2000, available at <www.unhchr.ch/tbs/doc.nsf/>.

  10. 10.

    Lawrence O. Gostin, “At Law: The Human Right to Health: A Right to the “Highest Attainable Standard of Health” The Hastings Center Report, Mar.–Apr., 2001, 31(2):29.

  11. 11.

    Sofia Gruskin and Laura Ferguson, “Using indicators to determine the contribution of human rights to public health efforts,” Bull World Health Organ 2009;87:714–719.

  12. 12.

    Benjamin Mason Meier, Adriane Gelpi, Matthew M. Kavanagh, Lisa Forman, and Joseph J. Amon. “Employing human rights frameworks to realize access to an HIV cure.” Journal of the International AIDS Society 2015, 18(1).

  13. 13.

    Lawrence O. Gostin and Zita Lazzarini, Human Rights and Public Health in the AIDS Pandemic, Oxford University Press, 1997, p. 1.

  14. 14.

    “HIV/AIDS and Human Rights, International Guidelines from the Second International Consultation on HIV/AIDS and Human Rights,” New York and Geneva: United Nations, 1998, HR/PUB/98/1, 57.

  15. 15.

    Michael Merson, “Dr. Merson’s Response to the WHA, May 15, 1990.” Unpublished speech transcript.

  16. 16.

    A Note Verbale is a diplomatic communication prepared in the third person and unsigned: less formal than a note but more formal than aide-memoire. An aid-memoire is among other things a nonbinding document circulated among parties to remind them of the consequences of their prior commitments.

  17. 17.

    Ibid.

  18. 18.

    Hiroshi Nakajima, “Global Strategy For the Prevention and Control of AIDS: Report of the Director-General; Forty-Fourth World health Assembly, Provisional agenda item 19,” Geneva: World Health Organization, A44/14;Dr. M.H. Merson, Lisbon, “WHO European Regional Meeting on Psychosocial Aspects of HIV/AIDS and Evaluation of Prevention Strategies,” Lisbon, Portugal, MHMl, l June 1990, 4; Michael Merson, “Dr. Merson’s Response to the WHA, May 15, 1990.” Unpublished speech transcript.

  19. 19.

    Philip J. Hilts, “U.S. to Ease Passport Curbs on Visitors Infected with AIDS Virus,” New York Times, January 16, 1990; and Philip J. Hilts, “Bush May Support Easing AIDS Policy,” New York Times, April 4, 1990.

  20. 20.

    “The San Francisco Boycott: Leadership and Network Mobilization,” in Leon Gordenker, Christer Jönsson, Roger A. Coate, and Peter Söderholm, International cooperation in response to AIDS. New York: Pinter, 1995, 119–127.

  21. 21.

    League of Red Cross and Red Crescent societies, Memorandum from Barbara Wallace to Andre Kisselev, 15 November 1989, Geneva; cited in “The San Francisco Boycott: Leadership and Network Mobilization,” in Leon Gordenker, Christer Jönsson, Roger A. Coate, and Peter Söderholm, International cooperation in response to AIDS. New York: Pinter, 1995, 121.

  22. 22.

    “The San Francisco Boycott: Leadership and Network Mobilization,” in Leon Gordenker, Christer Jönsson, Roger A. Coate, and Peter Söderholm, International cooperation in response to AIDS. New York: Pinter, 1995, 119–127.

  23. 23.

    Philip J. Hilts, “Bush May Support Easing AIDS Policy,” New York Times, April 4, 1990.

  24. 24.

    “International AIDS meeting to open in San Francisco,” Xinhua General News Service, June 20, 1990, Item No: 0620025.

  25. 25.

    See, for example, Katherine E. Bliss. The International AIDS Conference Returns to the United States : Lessons from the Past and Opportunities for the Future, July 2012. Washington, DC: Center for Strategic and International Studies, 2012; Stephen Inrig, “In a Place So Ordinary: North Carolina and the Problem of AIDS, 1981—1997,” Duke University, PhD Dissertation, 2007.

  26. 26.

    Katherine E. Bliss. The International AIDS Conference Returns to the United States : Lessons from the Past and Opportunities for the Future, July 2012. Washington, DC: Center for Strategic and International Studies, 2012.

  27. 27.

    Warren E. Leavy, “Visa Rules Eased for Foreigners with AIDS,” New York Times, April 13, 1990.

  28. 28.

    Philip J. Hilts, “Agency to Use Dormant Law to Ban Homosexuals from U.S.,” New York Times, June 2, 1990, cited in Bliss. The International AIDS Conference Returns to the United States .

  29. 29.

    Derrick Z. Jackson, “Bush adds insult to injury on AIDS,” The Boston Globe, June 24, 1990, A2; Stephen Inrig, “In a Place So Ordinary: North Carolina and the Problem of AIDS, 1981—1997,” Duke University, PhD Dissertation, 2007. 239.

  30. 30.

    “International AIDS meeting to open in San Francisco,” Xinhua General News Service, June 20, 1990, Item No: 0620025.

  31. 31.

    Jane Gross, “Warily, San Francisco Braces for AIDS Forum,” New York Times, June 17, 1990, A14.

  32. 32.

    Ibid, See also Jane Gross, “Reporter’s Notebook: City Hears Harmony, with A Few Jarring Notes,” New York Times, June 24, 1990; Philip J. Hilts, “Jeers at AIDS Gathering Drown Out Health Chief,” New York Times, June 25, 1990, cited in Bliss. The International AIDS Conference Returns to the United States .

  33. 33.

    Michael Merson, “Letter to P. Vagliani, Re: International Congress on AIDS—Bangkok, 17–21 December 1990,” World Health Organization, BPA/OOD/MHM/FP, Nov. 21, 1990.

  34. 34.

    Uthai Sudsukh, “Letter to Dr. Nakajima, December 13, 2533 B.E. (1990), Ref. No. 0201/01/6479,” 1–2; Michael Merson, “Letter to P. Vagliani, Re: International Congress on AIDS—Bangkok, 17–21 December 1990,” World Health Organization, BPA/OOD/MHM/FP, Nov. 21, 1990.

  35. 35.

    Michael Merson, “Memo: International Congress on AIDS, Bangkok, 17–21 December 1990” to SEARO Regional Director, Nov 22, 1990.

  36. 36.

    Letter December 7 1990 from Nakajima to her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn.

  37. 37.

    Uthai Sudsukh, “Letter to Dr. Nakajima, December 13, 2533 B.E. (1990), Ref. No. 0201/01/6479,” 1–2; World Health Organization, “Press Release WH0/67: Statement on WHO’s Decision Not to Participate in the International Congress on AIDS In Bangkok, 17–21 December 1990,” Geneva, 13 December 1990; WHO Press Release WHO/67 13 December 1990.

  38. 38.

    Michael Merson, “Report of the Director: Sixth meeting of the Management Committee, Geneva, 23–24 April 1991; Provisional agenda item 3,” Geneva: Global Programme on AIDS, GPA/GMC (1)/91.3; 22 April 1991, 12–14.

  39. 39.

    “International Conferences of People living with HIV: a Historical Overview” International Conference for People Living with HIV, 2008. http://2008.living2012.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=21&Itemid=37

  40. 40.

    Ibid.

  41. 41.

    “Communication and Solidarity for a Better Quality of Life,” Report from the Sixth International Conference for People with HIV/AIDS, Acapulco, Mexico, September 23–28, 1993.

  42. 42.

    Stephen Inrig, North Carolina and the Problem of AIDS. Chapel Hill, NC: University of North Carolina Press, 2011; Bob Roehr, “Anthony Fauci: A View from the Maelstrom of HIV/AIDS Research and Policy,” American Association for the Advancement of Science (aaas.org), 16 May 2011, http://www.aaas.org/news/anthony-fauci-view-maelstrom-hivaids-research-and-policy

  43. 43.

    Michael Merson, “Report of the Director: Sixth meeting of the Management Committee, Geneva, 23–24 April 1991; Provisional agenda item 3,” Geneva: Global Programme on AIDS, GPA/GMC (1)/91.3; 22 April 1991, 12–14.

  44. 44.

    Ibid, 16.

  45. 45.

    Report of the Director-General “Forty-Fourth World health Assembly, Provisional agenda item 19: Global Strategy for the Prevention and Control of AIDS,” Geneva: World Health Organization, 14 March 1991, A44/14.

  46. 46.

    The first regional consultation took place in Brazzaville in March 1990; the second in the Republic of Korea in July 1990; the third took place in Chile and the fourth to place in New Delhi, both in October 1990. A44/14; Report of the Director-General “Forty-Fourth World health Assembly, Provisional agenda item 19: Global Strategy for the Prevention and Control of AIDS,” Geneva: World Health Organization, 14 March 1991, A44/14.

  47. 47.

    Michael Merson, “Report of the Director, Fifth Meeting of the Management Committee, November 26, 1990” Geneva: World Health Organization GPA/GMC (2) 90.3, 1990; Report of the Director-General “Forty-Fourth World health Assembly, Provisional agenda item 19: Global Strategy for the Prevention and Control of AIDS,” Geneva: World Health Organization, 14 March 1991, A44/14; Michael Merson, “Report of the Director: Sixth meeting of the Management Committee, Geneva, 23–24 April 1991; Provisional agenda item 3,” Geneva: Global Programme on AIDS, GPA/GMC (1)/91.3; 22 April 1991, 12–14.

  48. 48.

    Report of the Director-General “Forty-Fourth World health Assembly, Provisional agenda item 19: Global Strategy for the Prevention and Control of AIDS,” Geneva: World Health Organization, 14 March 1991, A44/14.

  49. 49.

    “WHO to co-sponsor international AIDS conference,” Agence France Presse, September 12, 1991; “Malaysia Considering Internment of AIDS Victims,” The Associated Press, September 19, 1991; Peter Starr, “Economic cost of AIDS to soar in developing countries: WHO,” Agence France Presse, October 12, 1991; Sean Kelly, “AIDS Will Deplete African Work Force, WHO Doctor Says,” The Associated Press, November 27, 1991.

  50. 50.

    Alexander G. Higgins, “World Health Organization Revises Strategy to Meet AIDS Crisis Among Women,” The Associated Press, January 28, 1992;“WHO shifts AIDS policy to focus on women,” Hamilton Spectator, January 29, 1992, A4.

  51. 51.

    Ibid.

  52. 52.

    “HIV/AIDS and Human Rights, International Guidelines from the Second International Consultation on HIV/AIDS and Human Rights,” New York and Geneva: United Nations, 1998, HR/PUB/98/1, 57.

  53. 53.

    Jonathan Mann, “Letter to Michael Merson, July 1, 1993,” Cambridge, MA: Harvard School of Public Health, 1993.

  54. 54.

    WHO/SPA/INF/87.14; WHO Guidelines on HIV Infection and AIDS in Prisons (WHO/GPA/DIR/93.3).

  55. 55.

    Global Programme on AIDS, “AIDE-Memoire: HIV/AIDS and Human Rights,” Geneva: World Health Organization, 1995.

  56. 56.

    This paragraph taken from notes adapted from Merson’s interview with Susan Timberlake. Susan Timberlake, Interview by Michael Merson, New Haven, CT, August, 2002.

  57. 57.

    Susan Timberlake, Interview by Michael Merson, New Haven, CT, August, 2002.

  58. 58.

    Revolutionizing the AIDS response: building AIDS resilient communities (aids2031 Social Drivers Working Group report). Worcester, MA: Clark University and International Center for Research on Women; 2010. Available from: http://www.aids2031.org/working-groups/socialdrivers?view=resources#137 [accessed March 6, 2013].

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA

    Michael Merson (Wolfgang Joklik Professor of Global Health)

  2. Mount Saint Mary’s University, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Stephen Inrig (Director, Health Policy and Management Program)

Authors
  1. Michael Merson
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Stephen Inrig
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2018 Springer International Publishing AG

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Merson, M., Inrig, S. (2018). Addressing Stigma, Discrimination, and Human Rights. In: The AIDS Pandemic. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-47133-4_12

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-47133-4_12

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-47132-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-47133-4

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation