In a statement on World AIDS Day, London-based Amnesty International called for more efforts worldwide to dispel myths and prejudices surrounding HIV/AIDS. "Those who are on the social margins of society, who are denied access to their most basic human rights -- to freedom from discrimination, to education, to physical integrity, to health care and to economic security -- are the most vulnerable to HIV infection," the statement said, citing in particular the plight of women in many societies. "Once it is known or suspected that they are infected with HIV they may be stigmatized, subjected to ill treatment, denied entry into foreign countries, rejected by the social service and health care systems or denied housing and employment."

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