Presentation by Marama Pala (INA (Māori, Indigenous & South Pacific) HIV/AIDS Foundation), at the 2010 AFAO HIV Educators Conference.

1. Stigma and Discrimination for Māori living with HIV 2010 AFAO HIV Educator’s Conference Marama Pala

2. What we know Māori women make up one third of all women diagnosed with HIV in NZ since 1996 Māori children have borne a greater burden compared to the European child population. Eg. 1.0 – European ref., Māori – 4.5. Māori women are at a higher risk of infection in New Zealand compared to European Women with the incidence ratio of Women infected in NZ is 1.0 – European ref., Māori – 2.8. More AIDS or CD4<200 late testers with 40.6% Māori Social and cultural taboos prevent Māori from disclosing, The impact of stigma and discrimination cripples HIV Education. One third 33% of Māori womens’ HIV transmissions are allegedly by rape from someone they know. 75% of Māori men that are Takataapui have experienced non-consensual sex with men.

3. Poverty and low socio economic backgrounds Lack of political or social power Fragmentation of Whānau, Hapū & Iwi Geographic islolation Urbanisation and Transmigration to Australia Low literacy and numeracy Misinformation on HIV risks, no access to culturally appropriate information Poor general health – limited access to health care and resources Highest STI’s recorded population with repeat infections The discrimination within our own communities towards sexual diversity and the stigma attached to diversity. What makes Māori vulnerable!

4. Develop a plan within the Toronto Charter (2006) Operate HIV education within Indigenous Knowledges Raise awareness of stigma and discrimination within cultural communities Raise awareness of sexualised violence towards Māori women and men. Build capacity and share knowledge and wise practices Demand accurate representation of ethnicity in data collection. Promote Indigenous knowledge and social determinants to approaching health initiatives What Can we do?

5. Thank you to our sponsors Contact: Marama Pala Ina.maori@ina.maori.nz www.ina.maori.nz 07 8839084 0272991535