Joanne, aged 3, with Jemima Khan. Her mother died a few days before this photo was taken.
UNICEF/2005/Alison Tilbe
There are lots of myths surrounding HIV and AIDS, and it's important to separate fact from fiction. Myths can lead to discrimination and prejudice, hurting people who need support and understanding. Stigma can stop people from getting tested for HIV, which can lead to more people getting infected. Prejudice can stop people affected by HIV from getting the treatment they need. It costs lives.
The stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS can lead to HIV-positive children being abandoned. In October 2005, Jemima Khan visited a children's hospital in Kenya. There she met three-year-old Joanne, one of the fifteen million children around the world who've been orphaned by AIDS. Like hundreds of thousands of children each year, Joanne was born with HIV. When Joanne's mother died of AIDS-related illness, her extended family didn't want to look after her because of the stigma of HIV and AIDS. The hospital was looking for a home for Joanne when UNICEF UK met her.
You cannot contract HIV or AIDS by touching someone who is infected. HIV is not passed on to others through sharing food, minor accidents or fighting. You cannot catch HIV or AIDS in a swimming pool. HIV and AIDS is not something that affects only gay people. Everybody is at risk of HIV and AIDS if they have unprotected sex or share needles. The disease can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, wealth, where they live or who they fancy.
No child should be denied their rights because of HIV and AIDS. Children and young people can play a vital role in beating the myths and prejudice that surround HIV and AIDS. UNICEF is determined to improve the lives of children affected by AIDS. It is running a five year campaign to persuade everyone, everywhere, to Unite for Children, Unite against AIDS.