A Third Of Adults Are Uncomfortable With HIV/AIDS Co-Workers

The study also revealed that more than 40% would be uncomfortable living with someone with HIV/AIDS.

According to the study, those aged between 35 and 44-years-old age were more comfortable working and living with a person with the disease, while those aged 65-years and older were the most likely to be uncomfortable.

World Vision's Helen Keogh explained that, "there is still a high level of stigma and misinformation among Irish people about the disease."

"We know that education about the disease is the key to halting its spread and this is as important a message here in Ireland as it is in Africa.

"It is ironic that, given the level of stigma that the survey revealed, 59% of the respondents agreed that education about how the disease is contracted is the key to combating the stigma and discrimination around the disease."

The study, which is intended to highlight World Aids Day on December 1st, questioned 1,000 Irish adults in October.

Up to 5,000 adults are thought to have HIV or AIDS in Ireland, with 33 million people said to be living with the disease worldwide.

Ms Keogh also highlighted the problem for children saying that, "When a parent either dies or is ill because of AIDS, their children become even more vulnerable to increased poverty, loss of education opportunities, child labour and HIV infection."

"Children become the caregivers and providers, leaving their childhood and education behind.

"Because of its association with behaviours that may be considered socially unacceptable by many people, HIV infection is widely stigmatised.

"Together, stigma and discrimination constitute one of the greatest barriers to dealing effectively with the epidemic, discouraging governments from acknowledging or taking action against Aids and deterring individuals from finding out about their HIV status," she concluded.