HIV/AIDS thrives on stigma

Editor -Denial and stigma are just what HIV/AIDS needs to thrive in our communities. Mareeni Raymond's article captures just the tip of the iceberg, but is great for getting people thinking and wanting to help in the fight against HIV/AIDS.¹

HIV must be given a face. People living with HIV/AIDS must come out and and show that AIDS is real and could happen to anyone. It is not a moral issue. The late Philly Lutaaya, a Ugandan musician who died of AIDS, sang, "Today is me, tomorrow someone else, it's me and you, we've got [to] stand and fight, we shed a light in the fight against AIDS, let's come on out let's stand together [to] fight AIDS."

1. Raymond M. Liberian refugees teach HIV awareness in Ghana. studentBMJ 2003;11:385.(October.)