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Confidentiality, Openness and HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS is not an open issue mainly because people living with the disease fear the prejudice and discrimination they will suffer if they tell people about it. Communities need to be educated about HIV and AIDS and the supportive role they can play in the lives of people living with the disease. In this way people may be encouraged to be open about their HIV status. Some people choose to be open about their HIV status to certain people but this does not mean they lose their right to confidentiality with a doctor, nurse, health care worker, employer or friend. A person’s personal right to privacy and confidentiality must always be respected.