The first of March is #ZeroDiscriminationDay – a reminder that health is not a privilege. It is a right – and rights only matter when they can be exercised safely, without stigma, and without fear.

It is a global call to end discrimination in all its forms because discriminatory laws and policies shape access to healthcare, fuelling stigma that blocks healthcare.

Grindr for Equality and ITPC Global are working together to promote dignity, equality, and access to HIV prevention and treatment without fear. Discrimination on the basis of gender, nationality, age, sexual orientation, religion or health status remains widespread globally.

Global stats:

• 75 countries criminalize same-sex relations
• 150 countries have laws that criminal is HIV non-disclosure, punishing people for not disclosing their HIV status without taking into account the discrimination and stigma that makes disclosure difficult.
• Sex workers continue to face criminal penalties in many settings.

Many HIV-focused laws mandate disclosure to sexual partners even when a condom is used or the person’s viral load is undetectable.

Zero Discrimination Day is a global call to end discrimination in all its forms and a reminder that discriminatory laws and policies shape access to healthcare, fuelling stigma that blocks healthcare. Discrimination continues in many healthcare clinics around the world with LGBTQIA+ people and sex workers being ridiculed, shamed and turned away from clinics when seeking care. 

We are entering a new era of HIV prevention including long-acting prevention options. However, innovation alone is insufficient. If clinics feel unsafe, laws continue to exclude vulnerable populations and pricing blocks access, prevention tools will not reach at-risk communities. Rights determine access.

By celebrating diversity, we not only make our communities stronger and our society richer, but we also help to fight discrimination and make sure everyone has access to the healthcare they need.