Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2002. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Associated Press - Thursday, November 14, 2002
Alex Chama, deputy minister for Luapula province, made his comments during a parliamentary debate Wednesday over a bill to form a National AIDS Council secretariat to coordinate Zambia's response to the pandemic. "(Those infected) are busy spreading the problem. It is not fair," Chama said. "They should be isolated to a specific camp until such a time that they become negative."
Leaving aside Chama's statement that people infected with HIV can suddenly turn HIV negative - which they can't - AIDS activists said it was sad to see a government minister express such attitudes in a country where an estimated 20 percent of people are HIV positive.
People Living with HIV/AIDS Chairman Augustine Chola said people like Chama are trying to move society backward and do not deserve to represent Zambians in government.
Not all those infected with HIV were promiscuous, Chola said. Parliament is debating AIDS legislation so it can qualify for US$42 million from the global AIDS fund.
During the debate, Catherine Namugala, the deputy foreign minister, told Parliament it should introduce laws to deal with husbands who rape their wives.
021114
AP021114
Copyright © 2002 - Associated Press. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the AP Permissions Desk.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2002. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2002. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .