Since 2008, ASCOA has seen an increase in the number of reported cases of stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV and AIDS. The organisation has launched an aggressive program of activities to raise awareness and reduce the level of stigma and marginalisation in communities across Cameroon’s South West Region.

ASCOA’s latest project “Standing together against fear, shame, and blame”, offers free HIV testing and counselling, along with condom distribution on World AIDS Day, marked on 1 December. Several days before, ASCOA staff conduct door-to-door surveys to assess people’s attitudes towards persons living with HIV and AIDS.

ASCOA commemorates World AIDS Day annually, organising awareness-raising campaigns and activities to address HIV/AIDS stigma. In 2016, it conducted the “HIV/AIDS Related Stigma Index Assessment Research” in Buea, to measure changes in attitudes regarding HIV and AIDS. Their research revealed uneven knowledge about transmission and prevention, as well as the persistent stigma against people living with HIV and AIDS. In 2015, ASCOA targeted young people through a project focused on HIV/AIDS sensitisation and protection. Young people are particularly vulnerable to the HIV pandemic. Over half of all new infections worldwide are among young people between the ages of 15 and 24.

ASCOA is committed to continuing its HIV education projects to reduce the spread of infection and the stigma associated with it because people with HIV and AIDS are entitled to live normal and productive lives.