Zero Discrimination Day is observed each year on 1 March. To commemorate ZDD, Y+ Global, in collaboration with READY and the National Emergency Response against HIV/AIDS (NERCHA), examined the Eswatini Stigma Index 2023 from the youth's perspective. The findings reveal that while Eswatini has made progress in combating stigma—dropping from 10% in 2019 to 9% in 2023—this is not a cause for celebration.
This episode with the READY Focal Point highlighted various forms of stigma affecting young people, notably the prevalence of self-stigma, a non-supportive environment for young people living with HIV to disclose their status, and a lack of safe spaces for young adults (ages 20 to 24) to receive ongoing support. They discussed how SNYP+ fosters safe spaces and empowers young advocates to assist their peers at the grassroots level alongside advocacy initiatives led by youth. Despite the progress made in tackling stigma, the analysis indicates that young people still face a significant stigma rate of 45%, higher than that of adults, underscoring the need for increased support for youth at both facility and community levels.