Date:24/12/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/12/24/stories/2006122408580400.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

AIDS test to be made compulsory for marriages

Special Correspondent

Bill during next year's budget session

Dubious distinction for State in HIV incidence

HYDERABAD: The Government has decided to make AIDS test mandatory for both boys and girls before marriage.

A Bill to this effect will be introduced in the budget session of the Assembly next year after consultations with political parties. Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy wants this law at the earliest, according to Health Minister K. Rosaiah.

All-party meet soon

The Minister told reporters here on Saturday that he would convene an all-party meeting shortly to evolve a consensus on the Bill. He hoped that the Bill would not be opposed by any party or organisation as AIDS test would not stand in the way of any religion or tradition.

State's record

He pointed out that Andhra Pradesh ranked first in the incidence of HIV/AIDS with an estimated 5.7 lakh to 10 lakh people being affected — nearly 2 per cent of the total population.

He said some girls and boys, despite testing HIV-positive, were marrying without disclosing the truth, thereby affecting their life partners and children. And many others did not know that they were affected by HIV.

Mr. Rosaiah said the initiative taken by the Chief Minister, Speaker K.R. Suresh Reddy, Ministers and MLAs in subjecting themselves to the AIDS test at the camp conducted in the Assembly received appreciation from across the globe.

In all, 305 tests were conducted. Also, a record number of 17,000 people had undergone the test in the first week of December.

"This is an encouraging trend," he said.