This production was made as the opening film for the IV International AIDS Conference in Stockholm in June 1988. It gives a broad representation of the global AIDS situation in the late 1980's, and has a particular focus on social structures, poverty and stigma.

A Philippine teacher talks about how Western, liberal values on sex is a threat to the youth. He also talks about tourism as an aspect of HIV transmission, and fears that the Philippine government suppresses information about AIDS to protect the tourist industry.

Julie and Ken from the Australian Prostitutes Collective talk about their program for HIV/AIDS prevention among female and male sex workers, among which one third are also IV drug users. APC offers social support, needle exchange and sex education.

Interview with the Italian Catholic priest Guiseppe Brunetta. He talks in English and Italian about prostitution and AIDS in Milan, and discusses contraceptives and the situation for young people in Italy. He also talks about the future concerning Europe and AIDS.

"AIDS – Metaphor and Reality" is the very first Face of AIDS documentary from 1986, experts as well as people living with HIV and AIDS speak about stigma. The main message of this film is that AIDS is a worldwide issue which concerns everyone regardless of their sexual preferences.