New law in the Comoros strengthens protection for people living with HIV
Published on Thursday, 24 July 2014 14:08
The new law, which came into force in June 2014, explicitly protects the free movement of people living with HIV and prohibits any restriction on entry, stay or residence based on HIV status.
Among other provisions, the law guarantees that HIV treatment is available to nationals and non-nationals living with HIV. It also ensures that people in prisons and other closed settings have access to HIV prevention and treatment services. Mandatory HIV testing as a condition of employment and termination of employment because of a person’s HIV status are prohibited.
“More countries need to follow the bold and inclusive example of the Comoros, ensuring that no one is denied opportunities because of their HIV status,” said Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “Comprehensive HIV prevention and treatment programmes, underpinned by an enabling legal environment, will help make it possible to end the epidemic by 2030,” he added.
With the recent clarification received from the Government of the Comoros, UNAIDS counts 38 countries, territories and areas that still have HIV-related restrictions on entry, stay and residence. Source: UNAIDS