AIDS is a word which has inspired dread in the minds of many; it is a disease so destructive in its effect yet so successful in evading man's ingenuity for curing it.
Much anguish has resulted from the millions of deaths caused by the virus. Yet what is most disturbing is not the number of casualties, nor the tragic way in which AIDS sufferers lose control of their lives, but the sheer callousness of the community at large.
Those suffering from AIDS are thought, by some curious turn of logic, to deserve it. The disease is felt to be the sole preserve of drug users, homosexuals and the promiscuous.
Thus, many who are found to be carrying the virus are ostracised and shunned by society. Very often, relatives, friends and colleagues, the ones from whom support should be most forthcoming, are the people who most let down AIDS patients.
The compassion usually shown to those suffering from terminal disease is sadly less than forthcoming when it comes to AIDS.
The prevailing ''holier than thou'' attitude which now permeates the views of many members of the public simply will not do. Not one single person can claim to be free of risk.
Botched blood transfusions are but one way in which even celibate people may catch the deadly pandemic. Countless numbers of babies have caught the disease from their mothers, surely they are innocent of any crime.