HIV test confidentiality!

HIV test a must in Kelantan

As much as I agree that it's good to ascertain the health status of couples going into a marriage, how do the authority enforce the confidentiality of the test.

What about the stigma attached to the parties tested positive? What about separated couples spilling the beans?

Hummmmm? A system should be in place to ensure this simple thing first! Please, and then proceed as recommended!


The Star Online > Nation

Thursday May 26, 2005
HIV test a must in Kelantan

KOTA BARU: Effective January next year, Muslim couples getting married in Kelantan will be required to undergo a HIV test as part of the government's efforts to check the spread of AIDS in the state.

State Islamic Development and Dakwah Committee chairman Hassan Mohamood said the religious departments in the state would only issue wedding course certificates after being satisfied that couples were free from the disease.

But if those who were HIV positive were adamant on getting married, they would still be allowed to get married. They would, however, be required to undergo a talk on HIV and its danger.

“And after the talk, if they want to get married, we will allow them to do so,” Hassan told reporters after attending the exco meeting chaired by Kelantan Mentri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat yesterday.

Hassan also said the move to prevent HIV carriers from getting married was in line with the Islamic approach of having a healthy and happy family institution.

“The government is not in the business of stopping anyone from getting married but we have to stem the spread of such a disease and ensure that those infected know what they are doing.

“We will only recognise test results issued by government hospitals and will not entertain tests conducted at private clinics or hospitals,” he added.


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