Live and let live. A human touch heals pain

The World AIDS Campaign this year is about stigma and discrimination related to HIV/AIDS, and its slogan is ‘Live and let live’. Besides going against our cultural and spiritual values, and violating the human rights of people living with HIV/AIDS, stigma and discrimination are the greatest barriers for effective response to the epidemic. Because of stigma and discrimination, people at risk do not obtain information about preventive measures, and those affected by the infection do not get adequate care. In fact, people living with HIV/AIDS may face stigma and discrimination in the community, in workplaces, in schools and even in health care settings, which are supposed to be the source of treatment, care and support.