×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

HIV disclosure should be compulsory: report

THE government should draft policies to force partners to reveal their HIV status to each other and families.

This forms part of a wide range of policy proposals on education and health.

The party says in one of its discussion documents that the Department of Health and South African National Aids Council should draft the policy guidelines and implement the policy.

It says this will help the government collect reliable statistics on HIV infection rates, and for planning purposes. The notification would remain confidential.

"It assists policy-makers and health authorities to deal effectively with epidemics or outbreaks.

"Notification of HIV and Aids would assist in the accurate monitoring of trends in the occurrence, existence and distribution of HIV and Aids in the general population.

"And to provide accurate data on HIV-related deaths," the document says.

Latest HIV and Aids statistics released in 2009 revealed that about 5,6million people were living with HIV and Aids in South Africa.

In another proposal, the ANC is calling for the integration of the military and civilian health services.

This means members of the public will be able to use facilities currently reserved for members of the military forces, presidents, ministers, retired military personnel and former presidents.

The ANC argues that the South African Military Health Services (SAMHS) are under-utilised and should be opened to the benefit of the public at large.

"The ANC should advocate the integration of military and civilian health services without compromising the combat-readiness of the SAMHS," the report says.

The ANC wants the facilities used by the SAMHS to be prioritised for revitalisation in line with the infrastructure programme pursued in the context of the National Health Insurance.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.