Why is there prejudice?

NST: Two little boys are at the centre of a controversy in a primary school that brings home the difficulties faced by those living with HIV.
Both are HIV-positive, and their classmates’ parents want them removed from the school. They will know next month whether they are still welcome.
A parent raised the issue of the two boys from Rumah Solehah during the school’s annual general meeting last year.
"He said he knew the dos and don’ts of HIV, but if an accident were to happen, his son’s life was not replaceable," said Wan Hava Wan Husin, the supervisor of the home for HIV-positive children and single mothers with HIV.
Wan Hava said the parent suggested a separate building or school for HIV-positive children.
"I was surprised. I felt like fighting back, but I couldn’t do anything."
The state Education Department later ordered that Rumah Solehah station someone to watch over the two boys in school every day, a challenge as the shelter has nearly 50 kids to care for.
"The school has been very understanding, but I wish parents would open their eyes and see that my kids also have a right to an education," said Wan Hava.
She wondered why the medical term HIV seemed to create more fear than cancer and leukaemia.
"Why the prejudice?" she asked.
Standard Chartered managing director and chief executive officer Julian Wynter, who was at Rumah Solehah to present RM20,000 worth of aid to the home, echoed her thought.
He said companies could play a part by educating their employees about HIV/AIDS.
"All of us need to build a knowledge base about HIV. Companies can lead the way by providing funding, and volunteering at homes."
Standard Chartered has trained several employees to teach corporations about implementing HIV/AIDS policies in the workplace. Last year, they organised programmes at seven client companies.
"It’s not easy because it is not something people are comfortable with," Wynter said.