UoP adopts stigma-free HIV policy

Following MiD Day reports and repeated reminders, varsity does away with mandatory screening for foreign students, makes tests optional

UoP adopts stigma-free HIV policy

Following MiD Day reports and repeated reminders, varsity does away with mandatory screening for foreign students, makes tests optional

The University of Pune (UoP) has finally done away with compulsory HIV tests for foreigners applying for admission. The tests will now be optional.

Hats off to that: The University of Pune currently has about 14,000
foreign students from 99 countries, and while they might have had to
take the HIV test that was mandatory till now, those seeking admission
from now on will not have to face this discriminatory treatment. File pic

The decision came after MiD DAY's consistent reports and follow-up on the issue over the past year-and-half, and it was hailed by rights groups of people living and dealing with HIV/AIDS.u00a0

In its first report on October 7, 2009, MiD DAY reported that the UoP conducted HIV tests on foreigners as a mandatory part of the admission process. The UoP had later clarified that this policy had its roots in a University Grants Commission (UGC) directive that made screening of all foreigners mandatory during the admission process.

After the report, officials from the National Aids Control Organisation (NACO), the nodal organisation for formulation of policy on HIV/AIDS in India, had said that such a policy was discriminatory and against India's stand on HIV/AIDS. The officials had also promised to look into the matter.

In the months following the report, MiD DAY made several attempts to bring about a change but did not get a favourable response at the time. A few weeks ago, MiD DAY reminded newly appointed Vice-Chancellor R K Shevgaonkar about the discriminatory policy and he promised to look into it. Following several reminders, the issue was finally taken up by the university.

Now, in a note on its website, the UoP clearly states its stand, saying all foreigners who wish to undergo an HIV test as a precaution will have to sign a consent form. The test is not mandatory anymore and the results will not affect the admission prospects.

"Yes, it is true this matter came to my notice after your report. I consulted senior officials at the varsity and we decided to make it clear that an HIV test was not mandatory but optional. It was a joint decision to move towards a positive goal," said Shevgaonkar.

Welcome move
Manoj Pardeshi, board member of Network Of Maharashtra By People Living With HIV (NMP+), said that mandatory testing instills stigma and promotes non-cooperation."It is important for people to consent and come forward on their own. If it is made mandatory, there will be resistance and people will shy away. In a consent-based format, people are responsible for their own actions and, as experience shows, they come forward in higher numbers," said Pardeshi.

Tejaswi Sevekari, director of the NGO Saheli that runs various programmes in the field of HIV/AIDS, welcomed the decision of the UoP. "It is a positive step by the varsity and we appreciate such a big institution setting an example like this. This will help in upholding the image of the university as being non-discriminatory, and it will also encourage others to adopt a similar approach. The principles of consent and confidentiality are basic and have to be maintained all across the world if these HIV-related programmes have to succeed, and this is a step in the right direction," she said.