Stigmatisation fades away, but the scars remain

In the early years, where there were no treatment options for HIV and where the disease was poorly understood, those infected with the virus were virtual social outcasts. Families hid their sick and at the funerals, all manner of excuses were made and euphemisms used.

Without credible treatment options in those years, the HIV positive, particularly those of lower income, found that their health rapidly deteriorated and quickly their physical appearance was drawing furtive glances of revolt from the public.