NEW YORK, Dec 7, 2007 (AFP) - Human Rights Watch called on US authorities Friday to improve medical treatment for people with HIV/AIDS being held by the immigration system, who it said were not receiving appropriate care.
The rights watchdog said the US government was not even aware of the rate of infection among the 30,000 people being held by immigration authorities in US jails and detention centers, accusing Washington of substandard care policies.
The detainees include undocumented immigrants, asylum seekers and legal permanent residents with a criminal history awaiting deportation.
"The US government has no idea how many of these immigrants have HIV or AIDS, how many need treatment, and how many are receiving the care that is necessary," said Megan McLemore, from the Human Rights Watch HIV/AIDS program.
In a 71-page report, "Chronic Indifference: HIV/AIDS Services for Immigrants Detained by the United States," the New York-based group said many detainees were denied -- or received delayed or interrupted -- treatment.
"The Department of Homeland Security's detention guidelines for HIV/AIDS care fail to meet both national and international standards for appropriate care," the rights group said in a statement.
"Although the US government 'outsources' much of its immigration detention... it cannot evade its responsibility to protect the well-being, health and lives of HIV-positive immigrants," said McLemore.
The report singled out the case of a 23-year-old HIV-positive transgender detainee who died in July after allegedly being denied treatment.
"The Department of Homeland Security needs to upgrade their policies and more closely monitor and ensure effective treatment for immigrants living with HIV or AIDS," said McLemore.
"Otherwise these individuals will continue to suffer, and even die, in the care of the US government."
071207
AF071229
Copyright ©AFP 2007. All Rights Reserved. AFP articles contained on the AEGiS web site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without AFP's prior written permission. You may make one copy of each article for your personal, non-commercial use only; more copies would require AFP's prior written permission obtained from the owners of any trademarks or copyrighted materials whose marks and materials are included in AFP photos or materials. Therefore you will be solely responsible for obtaining any and all necessary releases from whatever individuals and/or entities necessary for any uses of AFP stories, photos or graphics. http://www.afp.com/
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted grants from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, John M. Lloyd Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2007. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2007. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content.