| Abstract: | Though reporting on HIV/AIDS is supposed to be confidential, the social and cultural contexts in Sri Lanka are such that this type of information spreads very rapidly within the community. Reports of transgressions involving the medical staff illustrate how difficult it is to guarantee confidentiality in reporting HIV/AIDS in the country. As a consequence, individuals who can afford to travel prefer to be tested abroad to avoid stigmatization, and blood donors sometimes provide false information to avoid being identified. In view of such, the Community Front for the Prevention of AIDS (CFPA) decided to take action to guarantee strict confidentiality in reporting HIV in the country. The goal of CFPA was to protect human rights of people living with HIV and AIDS and their families and to facilitate voluntary counseling and testing. The analysis of existing legislation that might have impact on HIV/AIDS, conducted by CFPA, resulted to the formulation of legislation and policy recommendations to the Ministries of Health and Justice, confirming the principles of protecting public health and respect for human rights. Moreover, it raised the awareness of medical officers and lawyers on legal ethics and HIV/AIDS. |
