Since the moment scientists identified HIV and AIDS, social responses of fear, denial, stigma and discrimination have accompanied the epidemic. Discrimination spread quickly, fueling anxiety and prejudice against groups most affected, as well as those living with HIV or AIDS. It goes without saying that HIV and AIDS are as much social phenomena as they are biological and medical concerns. Around the world, the global HIV/AIDS epidemic has proven capable of triggering responses of compassion, solidarity and support, bringing out the best in individuals, their families and their communities. But the disease is also associated with stigma, repression and discrimination, as people affected (or suspected of being affected) by HIV have been rejected by their families, loved ones and communities. This rejection is as true in the rich countries of the North as in the poorer countries of the South. Stigma is a powerful tool of social control. Stigma can be used to marginalize, exclude and exert power over people with certain characteristics. Although societal rejection of certain social groups (e.g. “gay people, injecting drug users, sex workers”) may predate HIV/AIDS, the disease has, in many cases, reinforced this stigma. By placing blame on certain individuals or groups, society can evade responsibility for caring for these populations. This is seen not only in the way “foreign” groups are often blamed for bringing HIV into a country, but also in the way these groups are denied access to the services and treatment they need. . Why does HIV and AIDS stigma exist? “In many societies, people living with HIV and AIDS are often seen as shameful. In some societies, infection is associated with minority groups or behaviors, for example homosexuality. In some cases, HIV/AIDS may be linked to "perversion" and those infected will be punished. Furthermore, in some societies, HIV/AIDS is seen as the result of personal irresponsibility. HIV and AIDS are sometimes thought to bring shame to the family or community. And while negative responses to HIV/AIDS are unfortunately widespread, they often feed into and reinforce dominant ideas about right and wrong regarding sex and illness, as well as appropriate and inappropriate behavior. Factors that contribute to HIV/AIDS stigma: AIDS is a life-threatening illness People are afraid of contracting HIV The association of the disease with behaviors (such as sex between men and injection drug use) that are already stigmatized in many societies