Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2002. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Mail & Guardian (Johannesburg) - December 12, 2002
The quick test for HIV has been made a precondition for marriages for the 1 200 people in Hiware Bazar village, the Indian Express reported.
"I know it is a sensitive issue, so we are still in the process of finalising it. But people here know what Aids is and the problems it causes," village headman Popatrao Pawar said.
The decision was taken collectively by the village, which has not reported any HIV/Aids cases so far.
Caught by surprise: Although research on HIV/Aids released last week revealed an encouraging trend among South Africans towards safer sexual practices, more than two-thirds of infected people tested were not aware of their status.
The leader of South AfricaÆs first nationally representative study on HIV/Aids, Dr Olive Shisana, said that up to 63% of those found to be infected did not perceive themselves to be at risk, but up to 62% said they knew where to get testing services if they needed them.
Shisana also said that of those who had not been tested, 60% said they would consider testing if confidentiality was assured and if the tests were made affordable.
About 18,9% of the respondents told researchers they had been tested, but cited insurance requirements and pregnancy as the main reasons, Shisana said.
Source: Sapa, www.redribbon.com
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