AIDS Discrimination Spreading in Asia

Some people with HIV/AIDS in Asia have been sterilized, thrown out of their homes, and disinherited, delegates to the 6th International Congress on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific were told this week in Australia. With about 7 million people across Asia living with HIV/AIDS, advocates say discrimination is a growing problem.

"Even my dad doesn't give me a job," said Rajiv Kafle, 28, of Nepal. Kafle found out five years ago he was HIV-positive, having been infected with the virus after sharing syringes. Now he is drug-free, but the stigma of HIV has hampered his search for a job and his attempt to get his life back on track.

"I lost my right to stay in my own house," Celina D'Costa told the conference. She was thrown out of her house in Kochi, India, by her in-laws and disinherited when she learned, eight years ago, she was HIV-positive. AIDS advocates said people are being tested for HIV without their knowledge or consent, and that some patients are refused treatment or care. Susan Paxton of the Key Center for Women's Health in Melbourne said that one of her friends in Bangkok was forcibly sterilized after being diagnosed as HIV-positive. The five-day conference, which attracted some 3,000 delegates, concluded today in Melbourne.

Back to other CDC news for October 10, 2001

Previous Updates