Stigma Action Network (SAN)

SAN is a collaborative endeavour that aims to coordinate efforts to develop and expand programme, research, and advocacy strategies for reducing HIV stigma worldwide. This includes mobilising stakeholders, delivering programme and policy solutions, and maximising investments in HIV programmes and services globally. SAN aims to be a “one-stop shop” for programmers, researchers, policymakers, and advocates for sharing and learning about the latest tools, technical resources, research findings, and new initiatives on HIV stigma and discrimination reduction. It aims to:

•     "Bring together diverse stakeholders to share experiences, best practices, knowledge, tools, and research around HIV-related stigma and discrimination.
  • Manage and disseminate information on reducing stigma and discrimination through the network web-site, including provision of tools, best practices, and guidelines for planning and implementation.
  • Foster new partnerships across sectors through networking opportunities at conferences/meetings and linking network members with available human resources via the network web-site.

•     Facilitate innovative solutions and expand the reach of best and promising practices to reduce HIV-related stigma and discrimination.
  • Inform, educate and reach out to a range of audiences by promoting and creating demand for best practices to reduce stigma and discrimination and catalyzing key stakeholders to support, utilize, and expand these practices.
  • Mobilize network members and provide tools to advocate for increased funding to support integrating stigma and discrimination reduction into all HIV programming.

•     Promote research across disciplines to expand the evidence base for HIV-related stigma and discrimination reduction efforts.
  • Identify and advocate for a global cross-sector research agenda by engaging network members and other stakeholders to participate in e-forums, electronic surveys and network working groups.
  • Link network members and evaluation experts to improve monitoring and evaluation of stigma reduction programs and to promote evidence-based advocacy."

Rights, HIV.

The idea of a global network to galvanize HIV stigma and discrimination reduction efforts came out of a meeting convened by the MAC AIDS Fund (MAF) and The International Center for Research for Women (ICRW) in November 2008 that brought together experts from the programme, research, policy, advocacy, and donor sectors. At the meeting, participants reviewed what works to reduce HIV stigma and discrimination, identified key barriers and opportunities for a coordinated response, and agreed upon the top priority of creation of a global network. To define the structure and functioning of the network, International Center for Research on Women (ICRW) then hosted a planning meeting with 24 working group members representing 17 organisations in September 2009. Working group members discussed the goals and objectives of the network, as well as key function areas, and a proposed structure. Based on the outcomes of the working group meeting, a business plan and budget for the various components of the network were developed. MAF awarded a grant to support the first year of network planning and development, and as a result the Stigma Action Network (SAN) was formed.