Centre implements HIV/AIDS Act to protect rights of affected persons

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Tuesday announced that the HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017 has officially come into force, strengthening legal protections for people living with HIV/AIDS in India.

According to an order issued by the Ministry, the Central Government has appointed September 10, 2018, as the date from which the provisions of the Act would be implemented.

The legislation was passed by Parliament on April 11, 2017, with the objective of preventing and controlling HIV/AIDS while safeguarding the rights and dignity of people affected by the disease.

A key provision of the law is protection against discrimination. It prohibits discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS in areas including healthcare, employment and the workplace. The legislation also seeks to ensure that individuals affected by HIV are not denied services or opportunities solely because of their HIV status.

The implementation of the Act gives these protections a formal legal framework and places greater emphasis on confidentiality, equal treatment and protection of the rights of people living with HIV/AIDS.

The move was seen as an important step toward addressing not only the medical challenges associated with HIV/AIDS but also the stigma and discrimination that have historically affected people living with the condition.