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I will start with [number] seven which is,
“The protection of human rights is the way to protect the public’s health.”
I think that we have been seeing almost
a false tension between human rights and public health,
and that you need to take certain steps to protect public health;
like, in the context of *** testing,
that public health calls for *** testing of everyone.
But in reality what we want is not for everyone to get testing,
but for everyone to get treatment and care,
and to be able to take the steps that they need to protect themselves,
protect their families, protect their loved ones.
Really, that comes down to human rights.
It is a matter of creating
a social context where people feel safe,
and also that it is reasonable, and that it makes sense for them to be tested:
Where, if they get tested, they will actually get treatment, they will get services,
and they will get support;
and that they will not meet with discrimination,
or violence, or abandonment and being thrown out of their homes.
So, it is creating that context, and it is also creating a link
in society where people can access the services and support that they need.
In order to have testing [where] people will feel safe,
that people will want go to and want to participate in,
you need testing that respects people’s autonomy:
where they get the information they need about the test;
how the test can help them; about ***/AIDS;
and what the implications are;
also, so that they get the counselling they need;
where they are sure that their status will remain confidential,
both within the health institution, but also outside
– it will not be revealed to partners or others in society;
[where] they will be empowered to take control over their *** status;
and that it is consensual
– that at the end of the day, they are the ones that can decide
that the test can benefit them.
For further information on Human Rights, ***/AIDS,
and to endorse "Now More than Ever: the joint statement,"
visit www.HIVhumanRIGHTSnow.org
Transcribed by Arielle Reid Subtitled by Hunter Holliman