AIDS 2016: How to better secure rights of vulnerable groups

Shisana says sex workers and their clients, drug addicts, homosexuals and transgender people and their partners remain at a high risk of HIV infection due to stigma and discrimination.

"We must accord equal rights to care for those living with or affected by HIV. We must reform the laws, the policies, the development programmes and the service systems to affirm the rights of those affected by and living with HIV and Aids.

"We must reinvigorate our strategists for social and behavioural change not only to empower those who are at risk but also to mitigate the social cultural pressures that increase their risk," she said.

(Photo: Khatija Nxedlana)