Tuesday, April 27, 2010

China Lifts Travel Restrictions for HIV Carriers

Via BBC -

China has lifted travel restrictions for foreigners who suffer from HIV and AIDS.

The newly amended law, published on the government website, comes ahead of the opening of the Shanghai World Expo on Saturday, which expects 100m visitors.

WHO welcomed the decision, calling it "a significant step in the right direction".

More than 50 countries around the world still have laws and restrictions for HIV-positive people.

Dr Margaret Chan, WHO Director-General, said: "This decision should inspire other nations to change laws and policies that continue to discriminate against people living with HIV.

"Many policies that discriminate against people living with HIV were enacted at a time when AIDS was surrounded by widespread fear and hopelessness.

"With HIV prevention and treatment now saving millions of lives, this is no longer the case. Policies that help curb discrimination can help prevent further transmission," she said.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in a statement: "Punitive policies and practices only hamper the global AIDS response.

"I urge all other countries with such restrictions to remove them as a matter of priority and urgency."

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Different counties have different restrictions - some block entry, some require long-term visitors to register. Find more information @ HIVTravel.org

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