Uganda has announced plans to forcefully conduct HIV tests on anyone visitng a health center.
Its reported that anyone who visits a health centre or hospital for treatment will be required to undergo an HIV test if Health Ministry officials get approval for a new plan.
Dr Alex Ario, the HIV/Aids control programme manager at the ministry, said the new ‘Know your Status’ policy is in response to an increase in HIV prevalence in the country.
“People who know their status are unlikely to engage in risky behaviour,” Dr Ario said. “The important question is: What do we lose if everybody is tested?”
HIV testing is currently voluntary. Under the new plan, people who attend health centres will have to take the HIV test as part of their treatment or check-up.
Those who test positive will immediately be enrolled on a counselling and treatment programme.
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