There is an undeniable stigma around the issue of HIV/AIDS. In some societies, people who are infected are discriminated against and even ostracised. This may be because when the disease was first identified, it was thought to affect homosexual people, drug users and sex workers in the main. This led to much confusion and negativity, as it impacted on people's morals and religious beliefs.

It is critical that we educate ourselves and everyone we know about the real causes of HIV/AIDS. This is an essential part of self-protection.

It is also important to treat infected people with respect and compassion. If we do not, we contribute to the crisis currently being faced in our country.

Discrimination against infected people leads to them trying to deny their HIV status. There are multitudes of people in South Africa who refuse to be tested, or ignore their HIV+ status, because they are afraid to reveal it to their families, colleagues and their community. If they could be persuaded to seek help and treatment, their lives could be prolonged, and the quality of their lives could be improved.

HIV/AIDS affects us all. Follow these links to more information on discrimination against HIV/AIDS sufferers:

• Avert 
• Kanga
• http://www.kanglaonline.com/index.php?template=kshow&kid=140ZIBB
• South Africa info