The impact of routine HIV testing on HIV-related stigma and discrimination in Africa
| Author | Ebenezer Durojaye |
| DOI | 10.1177/1358229111435735 |
| Published date | 01 December 2011 |
| Date | 01 December 2011 |
Article
The impact of routine
HIV testing on
HIV-related stigma and
discrimination in Africa
Ebenezer Durojaye
Abstract
This paper discusses different methods of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing,
particularly routine and voluntary HIV testing methods, which have been adopted in
response tothe HIV epidemic in Africa. It then examinesthe importance of HIV testing as a
tool for the prevention and treatment of infected and affected persons. The paper argues
that althoughroutine HIV testing is important in scalingup HIV testing in Africa, it may not
necessarily address HIV-related stigma as contended by some commentators. Rather, itis
arguedthat routine HIV testing,as practised in many African countries,may fuel HIV-related
stigma and violate individuals’ fundamental rights guaranteed in numerous human rights
instruments.In conclusion,the paper cautionsthat any attempt at adoptingroutine HIV test-
ing in Africa shouldbe tempered with respect for people’shuman rights.
Keywords
Routine HIV testing, stigma and discrimination, human rights, Africa
Introduction
Nearly three decades into the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pandemic, stigma
and discrimination remain barriers to an effective HIV response in many parts of the
world, particularly Africa. HIV-related stigma not only undermines efforts at
addressing the epidemic, but also infringes on the human rights of people infected
University of Western Cape, South Africa
Corresponding author:
Ebenezer Durojaye, Community Law Centre, University of Western Cape, South Africa
Email: ebenezerdurojaye@gmail.com
International Journalof
Discrimination and theLaw
11(4) 187–200
ªThe Author(s) 2011
Reprints and permission:
sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav
DOI: 10.1177/1358229111435735
jdi.sagepub.com
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