Guyana rejects criminalising HIV transmission
GEORGETOWN, Guyana (AP) â Guyana's Parliament has rejected a proposal that would have made it a crime to knowingly infect someone with HIV, saying it would lead to further discrimination and discourage voluntary testing.
The South American country has one of the highest HIV rates in Latin America and the Caribbean, with an estimated 13,000 people infected out a total population of 745,000.
Health Minister Leslie Ramsammy praised last night's vote, saying such a law would only worsen the stigma of HIV and encourage people to avoid testing.
"This in turn can lead to increased spreading of HIV from those who do not know their status," Ramsammy said.
The United Nations' Caribbean office congratulated legislators on making what it called "a mature and measured decision."
"Such a law would have deepened the climate of denial, secrecy and fear surrounding the virus in Guyana," it said in a statement.
"Ironically, a measure meant to reduce the spread of HIV could have led to its increase."
Opposition legislators did not vote on the proposal because of an unrelated boycott.
GEORGETOWN, Guyana (AP) â Guyana's Parliament has rejected a proposal that would have made it a crime to knowingly infect someone with HIV, saying it would lead to further discrimination and discourage voluntary testing.
The South American country has one of the highest HIV rates in Latin America and the Caribbean, with an estimated 13,000 people infected out a total population of 745,000.
Health Minister Leslie Ramsammy praised last night's vote, saying such a law would only worsen the stigma of HIV and encourage people to avoid testing.
"This in turn can lead to increased spreading of HIV from those who do not know their status," Ramsammy said.
The United Nations' Caribbean office congratulated legislators on making what it called "a mature and measured decision."
"Such a law would have deepened the climate of denial, secrecy and fear surrounding the virus in Guyana," it said in a statement.
"Ironically, a measure meant to reduce the spread of HIV could have led to its increase."
Opposition legislators did not vote on the proposal because of an unrelated boycott.