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anybody, irrespective of socio-economic background is vulnerable to infection, somemistakenly think they can identify PLHIV through their outward appearances.Fear of infection, accentuated by various public health policies, e.g., hospital proceduresfor burial of those who die from infectious disease, is partly to be blamed for the“stigma” attached to HIV and those infected with it and their families. Interestingly,while some participants voiced the need to be sympathetic and understanding, they do notrecognise that they are stigmatizing PLHIV by expressing words such as “we will becareful, when we or our children mix with them.” By the same token, although thecommunity participants feel that PLHIV should be allowed to continue working, it isagain the same fear that causes many of them to say that they should be transferred to anarea of work that does not expose them to injury (and therefore bleeding) and far enoughfrom others (those non-infected) so that there is no potential for contact with their saliva.Participants are aware of the Government’s efforts in prevention. However, the feeling isthat it must begin with arresting the problem of drug abuse. Education programmes forthe community are also advocated and, for this, they suggest that many more agencies(other than the Ministry of Health) should be involved. In addition, schools and parentswere called upon to do their part. This concept of multi-sectoral action falls in line withthe National Strategic Plan 2006-2010.136