AEGiS-09IAC: Institutional HIV/AIDS policy and human rights.

9th International AIDS Conference

Berlin, Germany — June 6-11, 1993

Institutional HIV/AIDS policy and human rights.

Int Conf AIDS 1993 Jun 6-11; 9:125 (abstract no. WS-D22-1)
Mutembei IB; Medical Aid Foundation, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

OBJECTIVES: To examine whether right to life, right to freedom from unprotected violence and arbitrary coercion, right to be respected as human beings are granted to HIV/AIDS infected persons.

METHODS: 520 HIV/AIDS suspects were interviewed on matters pertaining to religious marriage processes, assurance of employment, medical treatment and traditional care. Statistical data on human rights respect and protection on HIV/AIDS infected persons were established.

RESULTS: (1) 210 persons intending to get married were obliged to undergo HIV tests. Only 82 went for HIV test and 21 were HIV-positive and therefore not allowed to marry in Church. (2) 118 did not undergo HIV tests and they were not permitted to religious marriage. (3) 110 were expelled from employment because of HIV/AIDS infections. (4) 200 AIDS patients complained of unsatisfactory care while in hospitals. And two HIV-positive students were refused to go for studies abroad; while 3 committed suicide.

CONCLUSION: It has been observed that HIV/AIDS infected persons are refused certain human rights e.g. freedom of movement; right to marry; right to education and human respect. Indeed HIV/AIDS prevention Program must entail protection of human rights for HIV AIDS infected persons.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Human Rights, Public Policy, HIV Infections, HIV Seropositivity, Freedom, Health Policy, Coercion, Human, ICA9
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