“Let us give publicity to H.I.V./AIDS and not hide it, because the only way to make it appear like a normal illness like TB, like cancer, is always to come out and say somebody has died because of H.I.V./AIDS, and people will stop regarding it as something extraordinary.”
Image credits: John Mathew Smith 2001,”From Wash D.C. Longworth building October 4, 1994. Mandela’s first trip to the United States.”,CC BY-SA 2.0,Nelson Mandela 1994 – Nelson Mandela – Wikipedia
- July 18, 1918 – December 5, 2013
- Born in South Africa
- Politician, lawyer
- The first black president of South Africa, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for abolishing apartheid and building a democratic South Africa where multiple ethnic groups coexist.
Quote
“Let us give publicity to H.I.V./AIDS and not hide it, because the only way to make it appear like a normal illness like TB, like cancer, is always to come out and say somebody has died because of H.I.V./AIDS, and people will stop regarding it as something extraordinary.”
Explanation
In this quote, Nelson Mandela calls for openness and transparency regarding the HIV/AIDS epidemic, advocating for a shift in public attitudes toward the disease. He stresses that the stigmatization of HIV/AIDS has made it seem extraordinary and taboo, which has hindered efforts to address the crisis. By normalizing the conversation around HIV/AIDS—treating it as any other serious illness like tuberculosis (TB) or cancer—Mandela believed that society could reduce the fear, shame, and discrimination associated with the disease. In a time when HIV/AIDS was often met with stigma and silence, his call to publicize and discuss the illness openly was a vital step toward breaking down the barriers of ignorance and prejudice.
Mandela’s own experience with the AIDS crisis, especially after the death of his son, Makgatho, from AIDS-related complications in 2005, led him to speak publicly about the issue. At the time, the epidemic was ravaging South Africa, with millions infected, but many people still hesitated to talk about HIV/AIDS openly due to the deep-seated stigma. Mandela’s words aimed to shift the conversation from shame and secrecy to understanding and support, encouraging a more compassionate and scientific approach to the disease. His advocacy for public awareness reflected his broader belief that social issues could not be solved if they were kept hidden or denied.
Today, HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns around the world often reference Mandela’s legacy in pushing for acceptance and education. By talking about HIV/AIDS without shame, people could see that it was not an alien disease but a human problem affecting millions. Mandela’s message remains relevant, as discrimination still exists in many places, and raising awareness continues to be essential in fighting not only the disease but also the social stigma that surrounds it. His advocacy also helped to shape the global conversation about healthcare access, public health education, and the need for compassionate care for those affected by the virus.
