Stigma and discrimination
Human rights and HIV/AIDS
The link between HIV/AIDS, stigma and discrimination bears heavily on people affected by the pandemic. Human rights are a powerful tool to transcend taboo, denial and stigma.
WHO is committed to addressing human rights issues associated with HIV/AIDS. Current activities include work on HIV/AIDS-related discrimination in the health system and the development of a cartoon targeting adolescents and the general public which addresses the issue of HIV/AIDS stigma and discrimination.
Older people and HIV in Africa
In the background of the HIV/AIDS crisis are older people in Africa who are now shouldering the responsibility of care for the sick and for children orphaned by HIV/AIDS. Often impoverished and suffering ill health, older Africans also find themselves stigmatised in their community by their association with people affected by HIV/AIDS.