The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has updated its HIV Language Guide which aims to help scientists, administrators, and researchers use fair, accurate, and respectful language and aid funded research networks, sites, centers, investigators, and stakeholders as they draft protocols and develop communications and outreach materials. The Language Guide was circulated for feedback from all the community groups associated with NIAID-funded research networks and programs, including the Centers for AIDS Research (CFAR).

The first iteration of the NIAID HIV Language Guide (hereafter referred to as “Language Guide”) was created in February 2020 by the NIAID Office of Communications and Government Relations’ News and Science Writing Branch, with input from the Division of AIDS’ Workforce Operations, Communications, and Reporting Branch. Input and review were solicited from representatives of NIH, other public health organizations, and community based groups.

For this 2024 edition, the Language Guide was circulated for feedback from all the community groups associated with NIAID-funded research networks and programs, including network and site-level community working groups and community advisory boards of the CFAR, AIDS Clinical Trials Group, HIV Prevention Trials Network, HIV Vaccine Trials Network, International Maternal Pediatric Adolescent AIDS Clinical Trials Network, and the Martin Delaney Collaboratories for HIV Cure Research. It also was shared with the Legacy Project and other working groups supported by the Office of HIV/AIDS Network Coordination. Feedback and suggestions were incorporated as appropriate.

This guide includes language suggestions for communicating about HIV and related topics. While it was originally designed to help NIAID staff communicate with empowering rather than stigmatizing language, especially as it relates to HIV, it was quickly recognized that it has value beyond NIAID.

Read more and download the updated NIAID HIV Language Guide.