via AllAfrica.com, by Alvar Mwakyusa
People living with HIV/AIDS (PLHAs) and a section of lawmakers have proposed that every person living in the country be subjected to compulsory HIV testing in a bid to promote the fight against the disease.
Speaking in Dar es Salaam recently, the board chairperson of the National Council of People Living with HIV/AIDS (NACOPHA), Mr Vitalis Makayula, was of a view that if the fight against the disease was to be won, then all people must be aware of their HIV status.
He also said that those found to be positive must disclose their status. Mr Makayula made these remarks at a seminar organized by the Association of Journalists Against AIDS in Tanzania (AJAAT), to sensitize journalists on the HIV and AIDS Prevention and Control Act (HAPCA) of 2008.
"Tackling HIV/AIDS would be more effective if everyone tested for HIV and disclose his/her status. Otherwise it is like fighting an enemy you don't know," he stressed.
Mr Makayula was also optimistic that if everyone knew their HIV status stigma against those found to be positive would be reduced.When contacted for comment, the Deputy Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Seif Suleiman Rashid, said that there are factors that must be considered before deciding if testing should be compulsory or not.
"Before deciding on the matter we should consider revising the current legislation, human rights and availability of resources, among others. It is an issue which requires discussion among experts and stakeholders," he explained in a telephone interview.
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People living with HIV/AIDS (PLHAs) and a section of lawmakers have proposed that every person living in the country be subjected to compulsory HIV testing in a bid to promote the fight against the disease.
However, not everyone supports the idea. Some of the people interviewed by the 'Daily News' are against the idea. Many point out that it is against human rights to compel someone to undergo a HIV test or any other medical tests.
Speaking in Dar es Salaam recently, the board chairperson of the National Council of People Living with HIV/AIDS (NACOPHA), Mr Vitalis Makayula, was of a view that if the fight against the disease was to be won, then all people must be aware of their HIV status.
He also said that those found to be positive must disclose their status. Mr Makayula made these remarks at a seminar organized by the Association of Journalists Against AIDS in Tanzania (AJAAT), to sensitize journalists on the HIV and AIDS Prevention and Control Act (HAPCA) of 2008.
"Tackling HIV/AIDS would be more effective if everyone tested for HIV and disclose his/her status. Otherwise it is like fighting an enemy you don't know," he stressed.
Mr Makayula was also optimistic that if everyone knew their HIV status stigma against those found to be positive would be reduced.When contacted for comment, the Deputy Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Seif Suleiman Rashid, said that there are factors that must be considered before deciding if testing should be compulsory or not.
"Before deciding on the matter we should consider revising the current legislation, human rights and availability of resources, among others. It is an issue which requires discussion among experts and stakeholders," he explained in a telephone interview.
Read the rest.
[Content that is linked from other sources is for informational purposes and should not construe a Mapping Pathways position. Please look for us on Facebook here www.facebook.com/MappingPathways and you can follow us on Twitter @mappingpathways as well.]
HIV is spreading so fast in the world. If Tanzania will take a decision to give hiv test is useful for them and helps them to stop the spreading of this dangerous virus.
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