Jakarta – People living with HIV/AIDS still encounter stigma in various ways including discrimination, rejection and avoidance, even from medical workers, who often lack knowledge of the deadly virus, say activists.

"Doctors often refuse to examine a patient who admits that he or she is HIV positive," Caroline, an anti-HIV/AIDS activist from the Spiritia Foundation, told a media workshop here Tuesday in observance of World AIDS Day, which falls on Dec. 1. This year's commemorations are themed "Stop AIDS. It's time to act".

She added that the doctors often claimed they did not have adequate medical facilities to treat HIV/AIDS patients.

"Their reason is just an excuse. Actually, the virus would not be easily transmitted if the doctors treated the patients carefully," Caroline said.

"The most important thing the doctors should do is to wear gloves while examining an HIV-positive patient, and to sterilize all of the equipment afterward."

The Spiritia Foundation is a non-governmental organization established in 1995 to support people living with HIV/AIDS and ensure they receive proper medical and social treatment.

The organization also encourages HIV-infected people undergo immediate health checks and begin treatment as soon as possible.

"We found that many of them are still afraid of checking their health. But their unwillingness will finally harm themselves, particularly if they are found to be in the late stages of the disease," said Dayan, another Spiritia activist.

He said that many people living with HIV/AIDS were reluctant to attend check-ups because of the stigma they might face.