AFRO-NETS> HIV/AIDS notifiable?

[Jephat Chifamba <chifamba@medic.uz.ac.zw>]

HIV/AIDS notifiable?
--------------------

I listened to a talk between two General Practitioners - one sug-
gested that AIDS/HIV should be treated the same way as we treat TB 
patients (notifiable disease - trace source etc. etc.).

Are we not moving too slow in solving the AIDS crisis by continuing 
to label it with some stigma (because of errors done way back and the 
advertising still being done now) and keeping it a secret? I kind of 
agree with the Gps. that it should be a notifiable disease. Being no-
tifiable should not give license to discrimination (is this cor-
rect?)- not being able to get employment because one is HIV positive. 
If we get around these unnecessary stigmas we allow for education, 
treatment, counselling etc. Goes all the way to tests being done be-
fore marriage- not to discourage but to allow the couple to enter 
into their union informed.

If more people know and are at easy in coming out - I have a feeling 
this would be the starting point in getting the job done. "I have HIV 
- what can I do not to pass it on/or to keep well?". The secret lot 
who do not know could be spreading it unknowingly. I hope there are 
ideas out there about getting around the secretiveness and patient 
confidentiality. 

Thanks,

Jephat Chifamba
University of Zimbabwe
Medical School
Physiology Department
P.O. Box MP167
Harare, Zimbabwe
Tel: +263-4-303-211 ext 1371
Tel: +263-11-607-607 (mobile)
Fax: +263-4-333-678
mailto:chifamba@medic.uz.ac.zw
http://www.uz.ac.zw/medicine/physiology/chifamba/jc.html

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