UNAIDS declaration seeks to promote behaviours that increase HIV risk
It is wholly irresponsible to repeatedly push Western tactics and ideologies based on risk reduction in sub-Saharan Africa.
A recent high-level meeting at the United Nations produced a political declaration that will determine how billions of dollars are spent in the fight against the ongoing HIV/AIDS epidemic worldwide. Unfortunately, this important cause has been hijacked by political activism in high places and the results will lead to more HIV infections and deaths, not less.
The controversial text of this declaration prompted numerous nations to voice serious concerns over its adoption. Of the myriad problems with the declaration, three issues must be called out.
First, the declaration calls for “destigmatizing” the very behaviours that drive HIV infection rates up. The declaration acknowledges that “global epidemiological evidence demonstrates” that the key populations most likely to be exposed to HIV or to transmit it include “men who have sex with men,” “people who inject drugs,” and “female sex workers.” The declaration accurately states that “these populations and their sexual partners account for 62% of new HIV infections globally.”
The bulk of the text thereafter suggests that men having sex with men, prostitution, and drug injection should be totally destigmatized, normalized, and socially embraced. Early drafts of the document called for not just destigmatizing prostitution and drug use but decriminalizing them.
While no person should be refused the opportunity to purchase medical care because of their sexual practices or drug usage, the behaviours that drive up infection rates should be widely and clearly communicated to the populace so that people can decide whether to engage in them or to avoid them.
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