AIDS stigma biggest obstacle to action

The theme of this World AIDS Day is leadership. Without it, we will never get ahead of the epidemic.

AIDS is a disease unlike any other. It is a social issue, a human rights issue, an economic issue.

It targets young adults just as they should be contributing to economic development, intellectual growth, and bringing up children. It is taking a disproportionate toll on women. It has made millions of children orphans. It does to society what HIV does to the human body - reduces resilience and weakens capacity, hampers development and threatens stability.