There is a huge amount of stigma surrounding HIV infection, in part because it is a sexually-transmitted infection but also because of the high incidence of illness and death when it remains untreated. By offering treatment people with HIV can live longer and healthier lives. More people will be motivated to come forward for testing. Research has shown that when there is universal access to treatment, there is less stigma around HIV*

*The impact of universal access to antiretroviral therapy on HIV stigma in Botswana. Wolfe WR, Weiser SD, Leiter K, Steward WT, Percy de Corte F, Phaladze N, Iacopino V, Heisler M.  Am J Public Health 2008 Oct; 98(10):1865-71.Epub 2008 Aug 13