AEGiS-IRIN: BOTSWANA: HIV disclosure law to be introduced

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2000. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

BOTSWANA: HIV disclosure law to be introduced

Integrated Regional Information Networks - August 11, 2000

JOHANNESBURG, 11 August (IRIN) - The Botswana government says that it plans to introduce an HIV disclosure law which would compel HIV positive people to disclose their status to their sexual partners, news reports said on Friday. Health Minister Joy Phumpahi was quoted as saying: "We only want legislation to compel a HIV positive person to disclose his status to his sex partner. Having sex with a person without informing them will be a criminal offence." The minister added that the country would also put in place from September a weekly counselling programme to educate people about HIV/AIDS. "Each home will be visited four times each month," Phumaphi said. She said the programme was expected to cost US $4.5 million for the first three years.

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