Global Youth Coalition on HIV/AIDS - Groups - Action Tools

Message

From:	Reshma Pattni
Subject:	Fwd: HIV Testing and Human Rights: Resources and Fact Sheets
Sent:	Mar 16th, 2011 - 16:18:55

	FYI - Resource on HIV Testing and Human Rights ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Kirsten Ruch Date: Fri, Mar 11, 2011 at 1:33 PM Subject: HIV Testing and Human Rights: Resources and Fact Sheets To: Kirsten Ruch *PLEASE FORWARD WIDELY* *APOLOGIES FOR CROSS-POSTINGS* HIV Testing and Human Rights: Resources and Fact Sheets http://www.soros.org/initiatives/health/focus/law/articles_publications/publications/hiv-testing-20100517 HIV testing is an important part of a comprehensive approach to HIV prevention and treatment, if it is provided in a way that respects basic human rights. In order to reap the benefits of HIV testing, individuals must freely consent to testing; counseling must be provided before and after testing; and test results must be kept confidential. Moreover, testing should always be linked to programs that provide people who test positive with treatment, care, and support. Governments, health care providers, and program implementers should create a supportive environment that protects people who are HIV-positive from stigma, discrimination, and other negative consequences. However, there is growing evidence from several countries that pregnant women are being tested for HIV without their consent, adequate counseling, or links to services; couples are forced to take HIV tests before being allowed to marry; and prisoners, people who use drugs, and sex workers are being forced by police to submit to HIV tests against their will. Such HIV testing practices are taking place largely without any assessment of the human rights implications. To address these trends, the Open Society Foundations have supported researchers and civil society advocates to examine and document the impact of HIV testing policies and practices, and to advocate for methods that uphold human rights and improve health outcomes. The publications look at UNAIDS and WHO guidance on HIV testing, as well as local and international laws, and provide information on the impact of HIV testing policies on women and marginalized groups. Find them at http://www.soros.org/initiatives/health/focus/law/articles_publications/publications/hiv-testing-20100517 -- Reshma Pattni Program Director Global Youth Coalition on HIV/AIDS, a program of TakingITGlobal reshma (at) gyca.org www.gyca.org www.tigweb.org (T) +1-212-661-6111 540 President St, 3rd Floor Brooklyn, NY 11215 USA GYCA is a youth-led global network of more than 5,000 young leaders and adult allies working on youth and HIV and AIDS in over 170 countries worldwide. GYCA's mission is to empower young leaders with the skills, knowledge, resources and opportunities they need to scale up HIV and AIDS interventions amongst their peers.