Eliminating the discrimination against HIV/AIDS patients and letting them have the courage and conditions to receive normal medical services will not only protect them but also protect the general public, says an article in People's Daily. Excerpts:

On the 25th World AIDS Day, Minister Chen Zhu of the Ministry of Health said the discrimination makes many people feel reluctant to seek consultation and tests. As a result more than half of HIV/AIDS infections are not detected in China and this avoidable situation further aggravates the transmission risks of the virus.

Many people link AIDS with an immoral lifestyle, involving frequent sexual intercourse and drug abuse. But they never reflect on their ignorance of the disease's transmission and whether they are justified in stigmatizing the infected because of their prejudice and ignorance.

The dreaded disease has already inflicted the minds and bodies of the patients. Society's discrimination may become the straw that breaks the camel's back, driving them to take revenge on society.

As humans have greater knowledge on the disease, the spread of AIDS can be effectively checked and the death rate of AIDS patients can also be kept lower with proactive treatments.

The most fearsome thing is not the disease, but the ignorance and prejudice of the disease. However they became infected with the disease, the infected are a disadvantaged group and they should enjoy their legal rights and respect as humans. This is the basic requirement for their treatment as well as a symbol of a modern and fair society.

Taking off the tinted spectacles of the public is the very first step to help the AIDS patients to recover their confidence in life and future.