The early days of HIV/AIDS were a grim time. Nobody even knew what was killing them. Victims of the disease were ostracized and often denied medical treatment. Little research was done into the nature of HIV/AIDS, so infection was essentially a death sentence. 

This period was also marked by a lot of misunderstanding. Since the disease was mostly unknown, fear and misconceptions spread, which further stigmatized victims and made life much harder.

It wasn't uncommon for people to make a show of avoiding someone with HIV/AIDS, as if the virus were airborne.

Sadly, a lot of misconceptions still exist. HIV/AIDS is still a disease that is not openly discussed everywhere. And, as one meme acknowledges, silence kills. So does ignorance. 

So on this World's AIDS Day, people are taking to social media to encourage the world to #RethinkHIV by confronting stereotypes, dispelling myths and promoting knowledge. 

Here are some of my favorite #RethinkAids Tweets:

Now is the time to end HIV/AIDS. Now is the time to end the spread of the virus. Now is the time to help all those with HIV/AIDS to receive the treatment they need to live normal, healthy lives. 

But before all that can happen, the world needs to #RethinkHIV on a global scale. 

How can the world #RethinkAIDS? Share your ideas and stories with me in the comments section below or on social media. 

TopicsHIV/AidsHealthAIDSHIVWorld AIDS Day

Editorial

Defeat Poverty

More than 3 decades in, it's time to #RethinkHIV

By Joe McCarthy