Thailand deters drug users from HIV meds
Thailand is endangering its status as a leader in the fight against AIDS by failing to treat infected drug users, a report from two groups claimed.
The report by Human Rights Watch and the Thai AIDS Treatment Action Group said the Thai government failed to treat or prevent HIV infections among intravenous drug users. The report estimated that 40 to 50 percent of intravenous drug users in Thailand are infected with HIV.
The report charged the Thai government was violating its constitutional and international human rights obligations.
The report, "Deadly Denial: Barriers to HIV/AIDS Treatment for People Who Use Drugs in Thailand," alleged that police harass and arrest drug users, deterring infected individuals from receiving health services related to HIV infection.
"An HIV diagnosis is still a death sentence for most drug users in Thailand," said Paisan Suwannawong, director of the Thai AIDS Treatment Action Group. "Thailand must stop discrimination against drug users seeking healthcare services or it will never meet its promise to ensure access to AIDS treatment to all who need it." // Copyright 2007 by United Press International
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