The South American country of Argentina is updating its legislation regarding sexually transmitted infections (STIs), thus adopting a more comprehensive approach focused on health and human rights, in a drive to curb stigma and discrimination.
“We join the civil society and community movements in this important celebration,” says Alberto Stella, UNAIDS Country Director for Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay. “The new law is evidence-based and written from the perspective of human rights.”
The newly passed bill is meant to update the country’s health approach towards HIV, viral hepatitis, tuberculosis, and STIs. According to the new law, mandatory testing for HIV and STIs as part of pre-employment exams will no longer be tolerated, reducing the risk of discrimination and ensuring the privacy of the diagnostic. People who have been living with the virus for ten years, given that they made pension contributions during at least 20 years, will be entitled to early retirement at 50 years old. And should HIV-positive people be in a position of social vulnerability, they will have access to a non-contributory pension for life. Also, women will have specific rights recognized, including the right to health of their children. National production of medication and supplies is also on the table. Out of the estimated 140,000 people living with HIV in Argentina, 65% are on antiretroviral treatment.
