Fighting HIV Stigma in Lebanon: SIDC Hosts National Conference

Ending HIV Stigma and Discrimination in Lebanon: A National Priority

Date: July 3, 2025
Location: ESA Campus, Clemenceau – Beirut, Lebanon

Under the patronage of His Excellency the Minister of Public Health, Dr. Rakan Nasser El Dine, in coordination with the National Program to Combat Tuberculosis and AIDS led by Dr. Hiyam Yaacoub, and with the support of “L’Initiative” of the French international technical expertise agency “Expertise France” (a member of the French Development Agency Group – AFD), the Society for Inclusion and Development in Communities and Care for All (SIDC) organized a conference entitled:

“Stigma and Discrimination – The Reality of People Living with HIV in Lebanon”,
held on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at the ESA campus – Clemenceau.
The conference was moderated by journalist Ms. Nadine Kfoury Rizk.

Nearly 120 prominent individuals participated in the event, including:

• The representative of the Minister of National Defense, General Michel Menssé, Colonel Gaby Harik;
• The representative of the Director General of General Security, General Hassan Chaker, Commander Ziad Hamid;
• The representative of the Director General of the Internal Security Forces, General Raed Abdallah, Commander Hamza Haidar Ahmad.

The Impact of HIV Stigma in Lebanon

In her opening remarks, Dr. Nadia Badran, SIDC Director, emphasized that while treatment options have improved, societal attitudes remain harmful. She shared real-life quotes from individuals affected by HIV stigma, illustrating the social and psychological toll.

“Stigma kills more than the virus itself,” she said. “It breaks people’s spirits, excludes them from society, and violates their basic rights.”

Dr. Badran also announced the development of a draft anti-discrimination law, the result of four years of research, which SIDC aims to submit to Parliament.

Voices from the HIV Community

Several prominent voices added depth to the discussion:

• Ms. Rita Wahhab (Vivre Positif / MENA Rosa) spoke of the daily injustices faced by people living with HIV.
• Dr. Jacques Mokhbat stressed the social and cultural roots of stigma.
• Mr. Elie Aaraj (MENA Harm Reduction Network) called for local funding to sustain HIV services.
• Commander Hamza Haidar Ahmad (Internal Security Forces) highlighted law enforcement’s role in protecting dignity and human rights.

Government and International Support

Representing the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Pierre Anhoury reaffirmed the government’s full commitment to the National HIV Strategy (2023–2028). He noted:

• Over 2,600 people live with HIV in Lebanon.
• An estimated 250 new cases are recorded yearly, mainly among youth.
• Free HIV testing, PrEP, and antiretroviral treatment remain available through public–NGO partnerships.

Ms. Candice Audemar of Expertise France emphasized ongoing support through the “Bridge to Better Health” project, improving access to care across Beirut, Bekaa, Akkar, and beyond.

SIDC’s Holistic Approach to HIV Advocacy

SIDC showcased its efforts to reduce stigma through:

• Documenting violations via the REAct system
• Providing emergency and psychosocial support
• Training for healthcare providers, journalists, and law enforcement
• Launching mobile apps HYPE and ASK ME for sexual health services and support

Media, Religious, and Syndicate Leaders Join the Call

Key actors from the Order of Social Workers, the Order of Midwives, religious communities, and the ISF Training Institute all reiterated their role in transforming perceptions and behaviors.

Journalist Gilbert Rizk urged media outlets to adopt ethical, stigma-free reporting practices.

A Call to Action

The conference closed with a candlelight ceremony in memory of people affected by HIV/AIDS in Lebanon. It served as a powerful reminder: ending HIV stigma and discrimination is not just a public health goal, it’s a human rights imperative.