HIV/AIDS & Mandatory HIV Testing - Urgent need to Fight against Violation of Human Rights, Stigma & Discrimination as an Effective Prevention Strategy Dr. Chattu Vijay Kumar Associate Professor, Community Medicine & Public Health, Researcher, Africa Center for HIV/AIDS Management, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland, South Africa Online published on 5 July, 2014. Abstract Objective The main objective of this paper is to discuss and debate the introduction of Mandatory HIV testing strategy and the unforeseen effects like violation of human rights, increased stigma & discrimination. The paper also elaborates on pros & cons of this testing strategy and the rationality in choosing this strategy among pregnant women & premarital. The countries of Gulf Cooperation Council have enacted national laws and policies mandating premarital testing. Provinces of China, Ethiopia and Democratic Republic of Congo and five Indian states have introduced or passed similar laws or regulations. A mandatory approach to testing and treatment has the potential to significantly reduce perinatal transmission of HIV and defend the view that mandatory testing is morally required if a number of conditions can be met. Mandatory premarital HIV testing is definitely not the effective and acceptable choice by everyone as the approach is opposing to the rights based approach. With a possible or probable disclosure of status of HIV result, the women may has to suffer discrimination not just in terms of health services but also in her day to day activities of life in the community apart from violation. Conclusions There are large benefits to individuals, women, children and society as early detection and treatment of HIV has been proven to be a successful way to improve not only the survival but also the quality of life of HIV positive patients. Mandatory testing overrides an individual's right to make decisions about their body and thereby violates their right to informed consent & right to confidentiality. Mandatory PHT may not be a good policy if it is employed by governments for the sake of testing. Top Keywords Mandatory testing, Premarital HIV Testing (PHT), prenatal, Stigma & discrimination, Human Rights, confidentiality, privacy. Top |