15 July 2024 Articles

Let’s fight HIV stigma together

We continue our battle against HIV stigma with our annual U=U campaign. Show your support with #lovemysafespace!

#lovemysafespace: safe spaces for people living with HIV

After more than 40 years, stigma remains a major challenge in HIV care. People living with HIV unfortunately face prejudice on a daily basis. Stigma prevents people from seeking appropriate care and help in time. For this reason, social nurses Cora Lamonte and Wenne Mertens have been launching the U=U campaign every year since 2020 to raise awareness of HIV stigma and inform about treatment and prevention.

This year, the campaign focuses on safe spaces. With #lovemysafespace, we draw attention to safe spaces where people can openly and safely talk about HIV. These safe spaces can be both physical locations and supportive individuals.

Main entrance of ITM #lovemysafespace

Social nurses Cora and Wenne #lovemysafespace

Polyclinic of ITM #lovemysafespace

Safe space beach chairs

Visit us at Antwerp Pride!

On 10 August, we will be present at Antwerp Pride. Visit the ITM Safe Space in the Pride Village for a casual chat in our brand-new beach chairs. We offer you a safe place where you can be yourself and share your story in peace. Additionally, we are happy to provide you with a colourful stick-on tattoo to show your support in the fight against stigma, because:

YOU=YOU: emphasises equality between people living with or without a condition such as HIV.
U=U: if HIV medication is used correctly, the virus becomes undetectable and therefore cannot be transmitted through sexual contact (Undetectable = Untransmittable).

We hope to see you there!

More info