Abstract

Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is currently one of the
most devastating health conditions affecting the health of millions of people throughout the world. HIV/AIDS
affects entire populations, societies, and countries with enormous and tragic consequences at the national,
community, family, and individual level. HIV/AIDS-related stigma is a complex concept that refers to prejudice,
discounting, discrediting, and discrimination directed at persons perceived to have AIDS or HIV. Many people
perceive that the community have negative attitudes towards people who are living with HIV/AIDS. Understanding
stigma as a problem of fear and blame, rather than a problem of ignorance, can help us to understand the
stigmatization process without resorting to individualism. People often blame and judge those who are living with
HIV/AIDS as if they deserve it because HIV/AIDS is associated with unacceptable sexual behavior. The stigma the
community attaches to HIV/AIDS.