back to top HIV and AIDS Issues
Apart from inadequate funding, other major obstacles in tackling the global HIV and AIDS epidemic include weak infrastructure and shortages of health workers in the worst affected countries. Political or cultural attitudes are also significant: for example some authorities are opposed to condom promotion, while others refuse to support needle exchanges for injecting drug users. Many are reluctant to provide young people with adequate education about sex and sexual health.
Another very serious issue is stigma and discrimination. People known to be living with HIV are often shunned or abused by community members, employers and even health workers. As well as causing much personal suffering, this sort of prejudice discourages people from seeking HIV testing, treatment and care, undermining efforts to prevent and treat HIV and AIDS.
This page directs you to comprehensive information about these HIV and AIDS issues. Move through the topics section to uncover personal experiences of stigma and discrimination and evidence of how it is undermining efforts to prevent and treat HIV and AIDS.