| Abstract: | Some governments restrict people with HIV/AIDS from entering their countries, claiming that doing so reduced HIV transmission. Yet, this claim does not stand to reason in the US which has the world's highest number of AIDS cases or in countries with no reported AIDS cases since some people may already be HIV infected. Some countries require HIV testing for people crossing borders. Yet, some people cross borders illegally. Further, HIV tests only detect HIV antibodies, but they are not present for a period after HIV infection. Some countries claim that people with HIV/AIDS burden the pubic health system. Yet, the countries do not apply this economic standard to travelers with other life-threatening diseases, thus, it is discriminatory. Besides, it is immaterial for short-term visitors and visitors with health insurance. HIV-related border restrictions violate the human right of freedom of movement. Some countries require HIV testing of just certain travelers, often based on country of origin or sexual orientation another form of discrimination. These practices set a bad precedent and encourage local governments to adopt like measures, leading to discrimination of HIV seropositive citizens. These national policies may keep tourists from traveling to some countries, perhaps affecting national revenues. Compulsory testing is very costly and takes money away from needed HIV prevention programs. People in countries with low HIV prevalence often think they are not at risk because HIV-infected foreigners are kept out of their country, so those who partake in risky behavior do not examine this behavior. Further, citizens from such countries will not consider AIDS information necessary. In those cases where HIV/AIDS information is presented in combination with mandatory testing, people will tend not to be interested in the messages. In conclusion, border restrictions based on HIV testing are counter productive and impede efforts to contain the pandemic. |
