Medical students worldwide: fostering quality and stigma-free health services

Despite the scientific progress made in the response to the HIV epidemic, stigma and discrimination continue to persist including in the health-care sector and among health-care providers. HIV- and AIDS-related stigma and discrimination are significant barriers to accessing health-care services and directly impact health outcomes. Stigma and discrimination within health-care systems and among professionals can manifest in a variety of ways, including the denial of adequate medical care and the use of stigmatizing language towards clients. To address this, the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA) has launched a range of global and local initiatives aimed at enhancing the training of future health-care professionals to create a more equitable, inclusive and compassionate society.

David Martínez González is a final-year medical student in Spain and serves as the Liaison Officer for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) issues, including HIV, at IFMSA. Together with other IFMSA members and the Standing Committee on SRHR, including HIV and AIDS (SCORA), he has led trainings and workshops for medical students worldwide, equipping them with the skills to provide unbiased, evidence-based care and advocate for the elimination of stigma and discrimination in health-care settings.

"As a medical student, I have witnessed the effects of stigma and discrimination related to HIV and AIDS. I have seen doctors and colleagues hesitate to touch patients, even put on a mask to speak with them or place a glove on the stethoscope to examine them," claims David Martínez González. "I would like to be able to change things in the education we receive by improving the training curricula and ensuring that all my colleagues are aware of the impact their actions will have on people's health, especially on the most vulnerable groups."

IFMSA has identified key areas where medical students require further training, highlighting the need to address vulnerable populations, improve doctor-client communication, integrate HIV with other health areas such as reproductive and mental health, and eliminate misinformation that fosters stigmatizing and discriminatory practices.

“It is both crucial and commendable that medical students take the initiative and make the effort to challenge stereotypes, recognize and transform stigmatizing attitudes even before they begin their professional carrier,” said Meg Doherty, Director WHO Global HIV, Hepatitis and STIs Programmes.

IFMSA actively works to raise awareness about the importance of empathy, respect and a non-judgmental approach within health-care settings through social media campaigns, webinars, training and other education initiatives. These initiatives have transformed the way medical students approach health conditions that have often been stigmatized, such as HIV and other STIs, substance use and mental health conditions. These initiatives have inspired many to advocate for clear and overt anti-discrimination policies and ensure compassionate, judgment-free care for people living with and affected by HIV.

Medical students’ associations play a crucial role in ensuring the next generation of health-care providers will be better equipped to tackle the systemic issues perpetuating stigma. WHO advocates for multisectoral, comprehensive approaches to reducing HIV-related stigma and discrimination, including through the lens of health care quality improvement and integrating stigma-reduction interventions into health workforce pre-service training curricula. 

David recalls, "I remember once when, while speaking with a client, they felt scared about how I would treat them because of their serological status. Seeing them relax as they realized they could speak openly about their concerns beyond HIV made me understand how crucial it is to eliminate stigma. It’s not just about providing care; it’s about creating a safe space where people feel valued and heard."

About IFMSA

The International Federation of Medical Students' Associations (IFMSA) is a global student organization representing, connecting, and engaging over 1.5 million medical students from more than 120 countries. As a prominent advocate for the voice of medical students worldwide, IFMSA empowers young future health-care providers to participate actively in discussions that shape health policies and practices. IFMSA is one of the non-State actors in official relations with the World Health Organization, contributing to global health and well-being discussions. Through its advocacy efforts, IFMSA promotes inclusive and equitable policies, striving to influence the future of health care and ensure that medical students' needs are heard globally.