The United Nations has issued a new guideline making it compulsory for people in countries where AIDS is widespread to be automatically offered HIV testing when they visit a clinic. The UN believes that this is meant to boost HIV treatment, care and prevention. However, people should also have the right to decline testing.
Countries having low levels of HIV in the general population, tests should be suggested when people look for services relating to sexual health, tuberculosis or antenatal care.
Dr. Kevin De Cock, director of WHO’s AIDS department,
If we are serious about ensuring universal access to drugs, there has to be a fundamental change in the approach to HIV testing. Without a major increase in HIV testing and counseling in health facilities, universal access to HIV prevention, treatment and care will remain just a noble goal.
A UN report suggests that opportunities to diagnose HIV are being missed in a few places with serious epidemics. The most striking fact is that an estimated 80 per cent of people living with HIV in poor countries are not even aware that they are HIV-positive.
United Nations’ joint program for HIV/AIDS, World Health Organization and UNAIDS suggests that, the ‘3Cs’ of HIV testing — consent, confidentiality and counseling, need to be respected.
AIDS testing will certainly help. And it might well take us on the right path. But an astounding fact, that we must all know is that nearly 5 million people in sub-Saharan Africa, who have been diagnosed as HIV are awaiting treatment with anti-retroviral.
The fact is that simply testing will not be the solution to the problem called AIDS. A proper procedure must be followed, so that those detected with AIDS have access to appropriate treatment.
Via:Cbc
