The Case for Anonymous HIV Testing
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV, is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that once caused an epidemic when it was first discovered – the virus can develop into AIDS, or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, which destroys the body’s immune system, causing death. Fortunately, advancements in medicine have helped healthcare practitioners understand the virus better, and new medicines can extend the lifespan of an HIV-infected person by many years.
However, there is still a great stigma surrounding the virus. As such, confidential and anonymous hiv testing was introduced in Singapore. This was an important step, as individuals who suspected they have HIV no longer have to fear being reported concerning their HIV status. There are certain laws that seem to penalize HIV positive individuals, and these might affect their employment status and livelihood. Patients should know that despite the anonymity of the HIV testing itself, those tested positive for HIV would still be required to be reported once they seek medical treatment in Singapore. In such cases, patient registration with the Ministry of Health is mandatory, and contact tracing may be done by the health officials.
Here are 2 reasons why anonymous HIV testing is such an important part of the HIV treatment.
Government laws concerning individuals living with HIV
In Singapore, there are laws that govern individuals living with HIV, and failure to comply to these laws could result in heavy fines or prison sentences.
For instance, HIV-positive individuals are required to disclose to their partner or partners their HIV status, and their partners must acknowledge and accept the possible risks of contracting HIV from the sexual contact. The penalties for breaching these laws are severe – a maximum of $50,000 fine and up to 10 years of imprisonment.
Foreigners who have contracted HIV in Singapore are also not allowed to seek employment within Singapore, according to the Singapore Immigrations Act.
When individuals go for anonymous testing, their results will not be recorded in any government database. This means that employers and other government officials will not know about their status. If the results return positive, the individual will not have to worry about the implications of having their HIV status declared to the government, and the laws that may implicate them. But these individuals should note that they will still be reported once they seek HIV treatment in Singapore.
Negative social stigma against HIV-positive individuals
In Singapore, HIV is still considered a very taboo subject, especially among the more conservative communities. Sadly, patients with HIV may face discrimination in all parts of society – work, school or family. There are many cases of HIV-positive individuals being shunned or denied employment. People around them may be so afraid of contracting the disease that they avoid contact with these individuals altogether.
An anonymous testing service helps to ensure that the results of the HIV test are kept anonymous. Employers and family members will not know unless the individual chooses to reveal their status or seek treatment locally.
Patients tested positive are encouraged to seek treatment
Individuals who test positive during anonymous testing will still receive the necessary help and treatment to help them cope with living with HIV. Such treatments include drugs to help suppress the virus, and counselling that helps them adjust to their new lives. After the individual has been tested positive, the doctor can direct them to these treatment centres.
Contact us for confidential HIV testing. Please note that we are not an anonymous HIV testing centre.
