More than half of the people with HIV in the Netherlands feel stigmatised, for example by mortgage lenders and work colleagues, according to a survey carried out by two universities for the Aids Fund and HIV Association to mark international Aids Day.

Around one-third of those with HIV are kept at a distance by family and friends or are blamed for having the virus, according to the latest research. Some 30% do not dare to tell those around them that they have HIV.