Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2008. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2008. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Reuters NewMedia - November 27, 2008
Under the proposed bylaw, which has caused an uproar among human rights activists, patients who had shown "actively sexual behaviour" could have their activity monitored using a microchip.
"We reject this bylaw because it is against human rights and technically cannot be done," Nafsiah Mboi, the secretary of the National Commission on AIDS control, told reporters.
"How can someone know if a person is having sex or jumping and dancing," she said, referring to the plan to monitor patients via satellite to help contain the rapid spread of the disease.
It's never been entirely clear how an implanted microchip would communicate sexual activity to the monitors.
Last week, Papuan lawmaker John Manangsang described the idea as "a simple technology" whereby a signal from the microchip could track a patients movements and be relayed to authorities.
If a patient with HIV/AIDS was found to have infected a healthy person, there would be a penalty of up to six months in jail or 50 million rupiah ($4,115).
But on Thursday Manangsang, who crafted the draft bylaw, told Reuters the bylaw would only initially establish a Papua AIDS Centre to test whether the microchip idea was feasible.
"The problem is we are threatened with extinction," he said.
There have been 5,000 reported cases in Papua, but the government estimates the number has reached 29,000, or 16 times the national average with almost all from sexual transmission. High rates of promiscuity, rituals in some Papuan tribes where partner swapping takes place, poor education about AIDS and lack of condoms are among factors that cause the spread of the disease there.
The local parliament was expected to introduce the controversial legislation in Papua, which lies in Indonesia's easternmost fringe, before Dec. 15, Manangsang said.
Mboi of the National Aids Commission said the central government could not stop the bylaw, although it was trying to negotiate with lawmakers to drop articles that breached human rights.
She also said Papua's governor could refuse to sign the implementation of the bylaw.
($1=12150 Rupiah)
(Reporting by Olivia Rondonuwu; Editing by Ed Davies)
081127
RE081126
Copyright © 2008 - Reuters, Ltd. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Contact Reuters.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2008. 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 often presented in summary or aggregate form. 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, 2008. 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. .