JUST LILA is a pilot HIV self-testing campaign conducted in Italy as part of the ‘Community
Led and Based HIV Services - Key to Ending the HIV Epidemic in Europe and Central Asia’
project implemented by AIDS Action Europe, the COBATEST Network, and LILA Milano. The
campaign was launched in May 2022 and the pilot action concluded in June 2023.

With more than 2000 kits delivered, the pilot action from May 2022 to June 2023 exceeded
its target of distributing 1500 self-testing kits. 

HIV-related stigma and discrimination remain major barriers to accessing HIV services for people living with HIV worldwide. In this context, stigma can be understood as the negative perception of people living with HIV based solely on their HIV status. 

Sexualised drug use, i.e. the use of any legal or illegal psychoactive substance before or during sex, is not new. In fact, substances have been used to enhance pleasure and overcome inhibitions in many cultures through the ages. Research from the last few decades has shown that sexualised drug use is more frequent among the LGBTQI+ community than other populations. This can partly be traced back to minority stress, which creates a stronger need to connect, to enhance a sense of identity, to deal with painful emotions and
to form a sense of community.