India’s Cabinet approved a measure to the HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Bill that makes access to anti-retroviral treatment a right for Indians living with HIV. This marks a victory for activists and civil society specialists who have been pressuring for the measure since the bill was revived in July of this year.
The Bill also makes several progressive measures to protect against HIV discrimination in employment, insurance, education, housing, and other areas. The amendments to the Bill come on the tail of a string of controversial decisions by India’s PM, Modi’s crackdown on HIV and AIDS related NGOs and other activist groups, particularly in terms of international funding for such groups.
While the current amendment changes represent a step in the right direction for human rights and the rights of those living with HIV, the bill has yet to become law.
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