Our fight against HIV-Aids is gaining ground, with more and more people now on antiretroviral treatment. But we are failing to eradicate the stigma associated with the disease. Yesterday we again remembered the millions who have lost their lives to the disease and the millions who are HIV-positive.Too many of the HIV-infected people, and those affected by the disease, still hide behind closed doors and refuse to seek information and treatment.Even today, many people dare not confide in family and friends, afraid that they will be rejected.According to a Reuters report, South Africa has the highest prevalence of HIV-Aids in the world, with nearly 20% of all adults HIV-positive and more than 2.7 million of an estimated 6.3 million people on treatment.As our health officials strive to make treatment ever more accessible, citizens need to recognise that the disease is treatable with antiretrovirals.No one should die because of the fear of being stigmatised. But still many people keep their status secret - a secret that takes them to their grave.What is particularly shocking is that women who learn that they are HIV-positive, usually after pre-natal medical tests, are often accused by their partners of being responsible for bringing the virus into the home.We must speak openly, as Mandla Mandela did on the death of his father, Makgatho Mandela, from an Aids-related illness.Mandla said the stigma around HIV-Aids had "undoubtedly contributed to a scenario of non-disclosure that borders on the criminal as prospective partners have no idea that they are putting their lives at risk".He said we are now dealing with an inter-generational challenge and should encourage everyone to take an HIV-Aids test.It is only through talking openly that we will encourage more South Africans to be open about their HIV status...