Global perspective Human stories

Criminalisation of at-risk groups undermines AIDS response

Criminalisation of at-risk groups undermines AIDS response

Download

The criminalisation of at-risk populations can slow down efforts to eradicate the epidemic of HIV and AIDS.

Madeep Dahliwal, Director of the UN Development Programme’s HIV, Health and Development Practice, made the observation from Melbourne Australia.

The 20th International AIDS Conference wrapped up on Friday.

Billions of dollars may be spent on HIV and prevention services but most “at risk groups” do not have access because of bad laws that force them underground.

Anti-gay laws or policies that criminalise HIV transmission, for example, block efforts to provide health services, counselling or treatment to the marginalised.

Speaking to Jocelyne Sambira, Ms Dahliwal began by sharing some of the positive outcomes of the conferences.

Duration: 4’47’’

Photo Credit
UNAIDS@PHOTO