UK mandatory HIV testing plans abandoned
Sunday 8 August 2004
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AFRICA: UK mandatory HIV testing plans abandoned


[This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations]


JOHANNESBURG, 29 July (PLUSNEWS) - Britain has abandoned plans to make HIV testing mandatory for immigrants applying for visas to the country.

Health experts warned that the plan could force the disease underground, as individuals needing asylum might fear detainment or arrest for seeking HIV/AIDS treatment.

Implementing compulsory screening for individuals entering the UK from countries with high HIV/AIDS rates had been considered, amid concerns that treating immigrants was burdening Britain's National Health System (NHS) clinics.

Accoring to The London Observer, a British newspaper, Migration Watch UK, recently noted that the cost of treating HIV-positive immigrants, mainly from Africa, had exceeded US $1.8 billion.

[ENDS]

MORE NEWS BRIEFS

 
Recent AFRICA Reports
Removal of generic drugs from WHO list a wake-up call,  6/Aug/04
Campaign to create awareness on sexual offences law,  6/Aug/04
IRIN PlusNews Weekly Issue 193, 6 August 2004,  6/Aug/04
IRIN PlusNews Weekly Issue 192, 30 July 2004,  30/Jul/04
Interview with WHO Assistant Director General for Family and Community Health,  28/Jul/04
Links
The Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis & Malaria
AEGIS
The Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis & Malaria
Mothers and HIV/AIDS

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