The National AIDS Directorate is intensifying its campaign to rid Grenada of stigma and discrimination.

The Directorate established a new human rights desk at its office on January 2nd and will investigate reported cases of discrimination.

Its main purpose is to document and take measures to assist people living with HIV/AIDS who are faced with the plague of stigma and discrimination.

The last study conducted by the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre (CAREC) in Grenada indicates that 75% of the working population is willing to work comfortably with someone living with the disease.

However, 25% of those interviewed on the same subject was of the opinion that infected people should not remain on the job.

According to Director of the National AIDS Directorate Caroline Alexis Thomas, this is a cause for concern.

Research also shows that HIV/AIDS victims are faced with problems like denial of jobs and insurance policies, mandatory testing and harassment in different forms.

Although there is no legislation in Grenada speaking directly to the issue of discrimination of people with the disease, previous legislation was signed to protect the fundamental rights and freedom of people.

Member of the National AIDS Council Linda Straker says although legislation dates back to a period before the epidemic was discovered, they can be applied.