Reduce Blood Borne Virus (BBV) stigma: keep your organisation’s health and safety routines up to date

Press release issued: 11 December 2024

People living with Blood Borne Viruses (BBVs) such as HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C frequently experience stigma at work and in the community (Aghaizu et al. 2023). Most people remain unaware that there have been extraordinary advances in treatments that make it possible to cure Hepatitis C completely, and make it impossible for people on HIV treatment to pass it on (Britain Thinks, 2021). This is reflected in continued fears of BBV exposure, despite very low to zero risk of transmission in most day-to-day interactions.

About the research

Our research team explored the way that BBV risk is managed in different organisations’ health and safety measures, identifying areas for improvement, and supporting updates with clear guidance. In the health and safety materials of the five different organisations that were audited, we identified examples of some good and some well-intentioned practice, but it was even more common to see BBV risk management procedures that were ineffective, costly and scientifically outdated.

Our analysis highlights 4 key areas in need of special attention during health and safety reviews, and is highly relevant for all organisations interested in:

Improving the effectiveness of their health and safety policy and practices;
Reducing unwarranted fear of blood borne infection;
Ensuring more inclusive encounters for people with lived experience of BBVs; and
Enabling people living with disabilities to be treated fairly and equally, as stipulated by the 2010 Equality Act

Reduce Blood Borne Virus (BBV) stigma (PDF, 1,221kB)