Close-up of a woman with short, reddish-brown dreadlocks styled in an updo, wearing gold jewelry, and resting her chin on her hand, looking to the right smiling softly.

“I think more than anything, we have talked, we have done everything. Now it is time for us to stop all of that for a little bit and action.” - Prudence Nobantu Mabele

Join us on a mission to end HIV stigma, once and for all.

Zero HIV Stigma Day is the grassroots campaign that had over a million people around the world talking about HIV and the stigma surrounding it. Join us on 21st July 2025 for our day of action where we will raise awareness, educate one another, and make a commitment to ending the stigma surrounding HIV, once and for all.

It is essential that we come together to foster an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of their HIV status, is treated with dignity and respect.

Let’s work collectively to change perceptions and create a world free from stigma.

Mark your calendars for #ZeroHIVStigmaDay and be part of the movement toward positive change.

HIV stigma is a social justice issue. Everyone has a part to play in eliminating HIV stigma.

Why 21st July?

#prudencemabelegacy

21st July has been chosen as Global Zero HIV Stigma Awareness Day to honour Prudence Mabele (21st July 1971 - 10th July 2017), the first Black South African woman to publicly share her HIV status, and the countless other HIV activists that have been fundamental in improving outcomes for people living with HIV and those affected by it.

This day is for the HIV activists that have gone before, but also for every activist that continues the fight against HIV.

Creating a movement

21st July 2024

Graphic promoting Zero HIV Stigma Day with large bold text reading '1M' and smaller text below stating, 'People talked about HIV stigma globally in July 2024.' The graphic emphasizes that Zero HIV Stigma Day is more than just a campaign, calling it 'a movement' in bold red letters. The logo for NAZ, Sexual Health for Everyone, appears at the bottom right corner.
An illustrated woman with long curly hair, wearing purple glasses, a pink dress, and a white pearl necklace, raising her fist in the air, with a rainbow bracelet. The background is light purple, and there is text that says "Activists in Action Prudence Mabele." The woman is wearing a button with words: "bye bye stigma, hello gorgeous." The cover credits DC Coutinho and Naz as writers and Makenzie McCarthy as illustrator.

ACTIVISTS IN ACTION: PRUDENCE MABELE

HIV stigma discourages people from learning about their HIV status, accessing treatment, and staying in care. Midway through the fourth decade of the HIV epidemic, many of our young people are living in an era that feels post-epidemic with PrEP, PEP, and U=U a new reality. However, rising transmissions are indicative of misinformation and poor sexual health education.

To combat this, Naz published a children's b book series titled “Activists in Action”, with the inaugural book celebrating the life and legacy of Prudence Mabele, featuring a dedication from UNAIDS Executive Director, Winnie Byanyima. This inspiring story aims to educate young minds about HIV activism, the fight against stigma, and the importance of equitable access to treatment for all.

HIV stigma is a human rights issue. By teaching our youth about the giants who trailblazed change before us, we can educate and empower our youth to dismantle inequality and challenge bias, passing on the torch for a stigma-free world.