Language matters
At the IAS, we actively use language that puts people first. This is because words have power: they bestow or remove dignity, build or break stigma, and divide or unite the HIV response. Through the words we choose to use at the IAS, we acknowledge that a person is so much more than a condition; we promote inclusivity, dialogue and equality. Join us! We stress the importance of never labelling people as “infected”, of using “people-first” language. “People-first” language puts the person before their