UNAIDS Working With Egyptian Authorities Regarding HIV Related Arrests

Main Category: HIV / AIDS
Article Date: 12 Feb 2008 - 2:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   view / write opinions   rate article

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS urges all parties concerned, including the media, to understand that HIV infection is a condition that requires appropriate treatment and care. All people living with HIV are entitled to such treatment and care without being discriminated against or criminalized based on their HIV status.

Any HIV testing should be voluntary and with informed consent, accompanied by counselling, and carried out under conditions of confidentiality. UNAIDS is working with the concerned authorities to ensure that those who are HIV positive receive appropriate treatment and care according to their health needs and that the conditions under which they are treated in hospitals are in accordance with acceptable standards of medical treatment. People living with HIV do not need to be segregated from society and with proper counselling and access to care, support, and treatment can live positively and lead normal lives.

UNAIDS reiterates its support to the Government of Egypt for a comprehensive response to prevent the transmission of HIV; to provide for treatment, care and support for people living with HIV; and to protect the rights of people affected by HIV.

UNAIDS is an innovative joint venture of the United Nations, bringing together the efforts and resources of the UNAIDS Secretariat and ten UN system organizations in the AIDS response. The Secretariat headquarters is in Geneva, Switzerland-with staff on the ground in more than 80 countries. Coherent action on AIDS by the UN system is coordinated in countries through UN theme groups, and joint programmes on AIDS. UNAIDS' Cosponsors include UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank.

http://www.unaids.org