©InfoIgnorance and AIDS go hand in hand. The stigma of having HIV is a major factor in the spread of the disease.
Fearing rejection by their families and communities, people are often reluctant to be tested or to change their behaviour.
Discrimination and social isolation also make living with the disease more difficult.
Fighting stigma
By training youth peer educators, the Red Cross helps prevent the spread of the disease. Young people often find it easier to talk to other young people about issues such as sex and drug use.
Armed with the correct information, Red Cross peer educators go into their communities to give young people the knowledge they need to protect themselves.
In the UK and across the world, the Red Cross is mobilising millions of volunteers to fight the stigma of HIV and AIDS through street rallies, TV campaigns, competitions and exhibitions.