July 2003

Red Cross/Red Crescent Day Highlights HIV/AIDS Stigma

The theme for International Red Cross and Red Crescent Day in May was ending the stigma and misinformation surrounding HIV/AIDS that leads to further spread of the disease, Agence France Presse reported. Officials of the two organizations criticized religious groups for harming prevention efforts by condemning condom use and shunning HIV-positive individuals. International Federation President Juan Manual Suarez del Toro said, “People place themselves at high risk from infection or refuse to access treatment rather than face the consequence of social stigma, such as losing their homes, businesses, and families.” Bernard Gardiner of the federation’s HIV/AIDS program said, “What we need are clear messages for people and one is that condoms work. This message should not be muddied.”