🧬 Today’s discussion: HIV, youth and the invisible epidemic of shame

India has cut new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths dramatically since 2010, and over 2.5 million people living with HIV now have better access to treatment. Yet one thing hasn’t fallen fast enough: stigma. Global updates show large shares of Indians aged 15-49 still report discriminatory attitudes, and many people living with HIV hide their status or skip medicines out of fear of judgement.

The theme for World AIDS Day 2025 calls on countries to transform the response by centering human rights, tackling inequalities, and ending discrimination, and not just distributing pills. Studies also link HIV-related stigma to anxiety, depression and poorer mental health, especially for young people and marginalized communities.

Key questions for the sub:  
- In 2025, do you still hear myths like “you can get HIV from sharing food” or see people being isolated if their status is suspected?  
- What should schools, colleges and social media platforms actually do to normalize conversations about safe sex, testing and treatment?  
- Is ending AIDS by 2030 mainly a medical problem now—or a social and cultural one?

If you’re comfortable, share how sex-ed (or the lack of it), fear, or stigma around HIV shaped your own teenage years and relationships. 

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World AIDS Day: Are we fighting the virus, or still fighting stigma?