Why are many activists against the HIV bill?

May 23, 2010

IN trying to combat the increasing new HIV infections, we should not forget that in the past, it was not legislation but consistent and correct information given to people which led to behavioural change, hence the reduction of new infections.

Face HIV with Dr Watiti

Dear doctor,
Why are many HIV/AIDS activists against the HIV Prevention and Control Bill and yet it tackles issues which are in everyone’s interest (including the HIV-positive)? Should we just watch while some people continue to infect others intentionally?
Dorothy

Dear Dorothy,
IN trying to combat the increasing new HIV infections, we should not forget that in the past, it was not legislation but consistent and correct information given to people which led to behavioural change, hence the reduction of new infections.

The HIV Prevention and Control Bill has many good sections but is negated by the sections criminalising HIV transmission, forced disclosure of one’s HIV status and mandatory HIV testing for all pregnant women and their spouses.

This section will discourage people from seeking their HIV status which is the entry point for care and support for people living with HIV (PLHIV). Pregnant women are going to shun health units with detrimental results.

Disclosure should be voluntary but after proper counselling.
Lastly, HIV prevention should be a responsibility of everyone, not only the infected ones. If an adult chooses to have sex, they should be ready to face the consequences.

So, the Government should instead invest more money in educating the masses and providing antiretroviral therapy to PLHIV instead of enacting laws that will be difficult to implement.

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