The AIDS epidemic has been characterized by the stigma and discrimination of people who are all too often already on the margins of society.
This marginalization has made it more difficult for millions of people on every continent to access much-needed HIV prevention, treatment, care and support services. As we recognize International Human Rights Day on Dec. 10, we cannot lose sight of the inextricable link between HIV and human rights, which should be the cornerstone of our response to and understanding of this epidemic.
And there is, perhaps, reason for cautious optimism.