'I will come again with my partner'

Abstract

Many things come to our minds when we think about HIV/AIDS. Among these are the two words "resistance" and "stigma". The resistance comes from our patients who find it difficult to share their burden with a partner/significant other. The stigma attached to the HIV/AIDS condition comesfrom the community as a whole. While traditionally the extended African family has provided a support and safety net for its members in time of need, it appears as if the HIV epidemic has affected even this effective system. This review explores the above aspects so as to help us to be more open with our patients and to, perhaps, find together with them the way to oyercome the 'premature death' caused by their HIV+ status.