Social and legal barriers that stigmatize and criminalize people prevent them from coming forward for HIV, TB, COVID-19 and other women and children illness prevention services such as testing and treatment. This includes people living with HIV and those most at risk like sex workers, people who inject drugs and men who have sex with men. An effective national response provides adequate HIV prevention information, services, and support to those most vulnerable populations that are exposed and critical to the dynamics of the epidemic and the response. A human rights-based approach to diseases addresses the needs of all those affected and ensures the meaningful participation of all sections of society, including the most vulnerable and marginalized in the HIV response.
Such an approach includes specific programs to reduce HIV, TB, COVID-19 and other child and women illness related stigma and discrimination and increases access to justice in the context of HIV. To strengthen the human rights-based response to diseases/Illness, Western Uganda FBO Network is proposing in its new strategy to work and build the capacity of groups/organizations working with key populations, FBOs, CSOs and other stakeholders in the areas of Human rights, legislation and HIV. This will ensure that these populations are part and parcel of decision making, especially when it involves programs on prevention.